Manchester United ‘Clear Out’
Manchester United were known for decades playing attractive, attacking football which brought incredible success under the tutelage of Sir Alex Ferguson. However, over the past 10 years, the club stalled their metaphorical bus while teams around them steamrolled on.
Under Moyes, the ignition didn’t really start the bus back up after Ferguson turned off the engine with the 4-4 draw against WBA. Van Gaal got into the drivers seat and actually got into 2nd gear, but the passengers (fans and players in this weird analogy) hated the bumpy ride. After the club left Louis and his army at the service station, drinking Costa coffee out of his FA Cup, Mourinho buckled up and parallel parked the bus to near perfection. He found the most crowded car park possible and parked into the tightest free spot he could find, locked Pogba in the tiny bus toilet and ran into the petrol station garage, screaming something about ‘a treble’ and leaving Fellaini to babysit the team.
Then, in March 2019, Ole finally got at the wheel. He cranked up the players’ favourite CD and everybody has seemingly got a smile on their faces as they look to get into 4th gear and 4th spot. However, the bus broke down once again in Watford and Ole was gone. Rangnick has since arrived to not drive the bus, rather hold onto the keys for the next driver, and speculation about the next man in charge rolls on.
If you’ve kept up with my weird story time, what I’m saying is that Manchester United need a clear out of players in order to forge ahead with their plans, especially with their arrival of the new manager edging closer by the day. So, I’ve got their first team squad list and I will go through every player and explain whether they should stay or should they go.
Head over to Twitter (@NextGoalWinBlog) and let us know what you think of our suggestions, and who you think should be out of Manchester United this summer.
Goalkeepers
David De Gea (STAY) – The saga surrounding De Gea’s potential departure has never been so calm, as it feels like he’s been speculated for a move since he pretty much arrived at Old Trafford. Whether it’s a broken fax machine, or Dean Henderson falling ill to allow him back in the side, fate has kept the Spanish shot-stopper in Manchester, and United fans should thank their lucky-stars for that. The 4 time Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year has once again stepped up in the chaos further up the field to be as strong and resolute as possible between the sticks, whilst also standing up in front of the media more than we’ve ever seen before. Taking the responsibility for interviews after tough losses, he’s spoken honestly and candidly about the clubs’ issues, winning him even more support from the supporters. Playing another full season in the no.1 spot, he appears to be fighting off any competition from Henderson and has responded well to the competition. In terms of his future, he’s one of the only players with a guaranteed starting spot in the XI and I can envisage the new manager potentially making him a strong contender for captaincy for the coming season.
Dean Henderson (GO) – This season was supposed to be the one for Henderson to step into De Gea’s gloves, or at least make the competition close. However, De Gea’s solid form has left Henderson sitting on the bench potentially putting himself out of contention for a World Cup place and stalling in his promising career. There are some doubts around making this switch, which is understandable as De Gea has potentially another 2/3 years or so at the top of his game, and so Henderson must now make a big choice. His Sheffield United loan was terrific and helped him to gain a reputation as a strong keeper attracting suitors from across England, and now these interested parties will be looking to make their move for a potentially unhappy keeper not being used or given opportunities. Therefore, United would be wise to cash in on their 2nd choice, with teams such as Newcastle potentially willing to spend upwards of £20million to bring him over to St James’, this would be the best financial decision for Manchester United, and the best footballing decision for Henderson.
Tom Heaton (STAY) – With United having arguably the strongest team of goalkeepers at their disposal, the move to bring in Heaton as an experienced 3rd choice is solid business, and for another year or so I think he can keep that role. 3rd choice goalkeepers are often little more than training partners picking up a decent wage, however should United need to resort to Heaton in the starting XI, I think fans will have confidence that he can still pull off some solid performances, and so they can rest comfortably with Heaton playing 3rd choice.
Lee Grant (RETIRE) – Now aged 39 and on a rolling year to year contract, Grant has fulfilled any responsibilities needed at the club and picked up a tidy wage packet for this. Despite this, to be spending money on a 4th choice keeper like Grant is something United need to clear out in particular, and I am struggling to imagine any other side looking to match the wage and role that Grant currently has. For his role in developing young keepers, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a coaching role offered, however he should be off the playing wage bill.
Defenders
Victor Lindelöf (STAY) – The Swedish centre-back has been a reliable player when called upon, and arguably is thriving more now he’s not so under pressure to play each and every game. With the partnership of Varane and Maguire taking the lead, having a player such as Lindelöf as immediate backup gives United’s defence some sense of security should the injuries to Varane continue to plague his United career, or Maguire needing to take a few games out to ease the pressure growing around him. Although not a commanding centre-back that United can rely on each and every week, he’s a cool-head who often does the job asked with little/no issue. Having started 18/30 league games (at time of writing), United fans will be hoping that Varane can find fitness that actually keeps Lindelöf on the bench slightly more, and with the player seeming settled, staying and competing for game time seems the most logical option.
Eric Bailly (GO) – It’s just not going to happen for Eric Bailly I’m afraid to say. Since his first season at the club, he has managed at most 11 league starts (24 in his first year). This season sums everything about Bailly’s time at United up, as he has started 3 games in a season where United have been crying out for a centre back to step up and lead their defence. Although when in form, he can be a top player, his infrequent appearances often lead to risky moves/passes and moments which give United fans a ‘heart in mouth’ feeling. United must now surely look to cash in on the player and take any value they can in the summer.
Phil Jones (GO) – Please see previous paragraph. In all seriousness, the similarity with Eric Bailly’s career and Phil Jones’ are worrying. The man tipped for greatness from Sir Alex, he was a gem in United’s prospects around 10 years ago, however injury has kept him away from the game for the past few years, including missing the entire 2020/2021 season. Having returned to some fanfare in this season, he started the loss to Wolves and was United’s man of the match in the game. However, the spark and kick-on from this hasn’t occurred, and he has featured in just 30 minutes since this appearance. With talks of a move to Bordeaux on the cards in January only to fall through in the final stages, Phil Jones needs to find a club that will take a chance on him, build up some playing time until he can become a starter and get the most of his final few years of football. He’s a solid player needing a break, and this unfortunately must be away from Old Trafford.
Harry Maguire (STAY) – Whatever you want to say or read on social media about Harry Maguire, United’s current captain is a good defender. Don’t let idiots on Twitter tell you otherwise, and when back in form he can be a reliable and consistent performer for Manchester United, so of course he stays. However, this ‘stay’ decision comes with the caveat that Maguire should be respectfully removed as captain, for his sake as well as the clubs’. Naturally, I don’t think he is the leader United’s dressing room needs, who will get in the face of a teammate piping up and causing issues, and also needs to step away from media spotlight before the damage this reputation is creating actually becomes everyone’s reality. Focus on fitness and playing well, be a leader at the club, but without the armband and he will maintain his place. I do think United need another reinforcement in the mix at centre-back, whether to partner Maguire or Varane, however this competition can give Maguire focus and determination to succeed.
Luke Shaw (STAY) – Speaking of embracing competition for a starting place, Luke Shaw is feeling this now, as Alex Telles breathes down his neck. The partnership between Shaw and Rashford of previous seasons has all but disappeared and Shaw suddenly looks ‘out of sorts’. With his Euro 2020 final goal, this peak seems to have come with a downfall in form this season, and Telles getting a run of games and offering something different will give the new manager food for thought. Despite this, I would see a positive spin of having two full-backs offering slightly different styles, and so I don’t worry too much for either Luke Shaw or Alex Telles, and I think their competition for the starting place can only help both.
Alex Telles (STAY) – Again as mentioned with Shaw, Telles is pushing for that starting spot, and will continue to do so in the following season. Offering attacking and crossing threat for a striker who loves to get headed goals, Telles has the edge, however defensively he could be questioned. Despite this, he does clearly offer something for the new manager to take advantage of, and I think we will continue to see shared game-time between the two full-backs.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (STAY) – This was tougher to decide on that I had expected. Of all the players to suffer this season, Wan-Bissaka is arguably the player who has fallen the most. Being questioned in his attacking threat, and defensive ability, he has struggled to find a run of form that keeps his place in the side, and therefore had dropped out to Diogo Dalot often this season. As a result, many have written him off as a United player for the future, however although I can understand why this discussion has been had, I think United will struggle to off-load him and so by default must keep him. With United spending big to bring him in, they won’t be willing to make a big loss, and at only 24 years of age, they can certainly still develop his game further, however he has a big season coming up to either get back into the first team, or be on his way out in the next year.
Diogo Dalot (STAY) – In contrast to Wan-Bissaka, last season I would have said Dalot would have been having to leave, however now I think he’s one of the first names on the team sheet. Although still not at the level required to be a regular and exiting part of the starting XI, especially when compared to teams above United in the league in that position, he has stepped up and taken his chances this season, impressing in his ability to get forward and begin creating chances. Having recently turned 23, he has broken into the Portugal national side, United’s first XI and can kick-on and have a great season next year to cement his place in the side.
Raphaël Varane (STAY) – Varane will of course be staying, however he needs to stay fit to find success at United. With such fanfare on arrival, many thought he filled the missing piece of the United defensive puzzle, however still issues with injury and inconsistency at the back have plagued the defence. Whether due to struggling to form a consistent partnership in the centre of defence, if Varane can stay fit for most of next season, along with Maguire they can begin to create a partnership which many fans wanted to see. Having started 16/30 games in the league this season, their hopes for defensive stability rest on Varane’s fitness.
Brandon Williams (STAY) – With a fairly impressive loan spell at strugglers Norwich, Williams now has a full season of Premier League football under his belt, and has arguably done enough to warrant a full return to United’s squad. In a recent interview, he spoke about wanting to come back for first-team football, which may be a slight issue for him considering either side of the full-back position is being occupied by two players currently battling for one spot, meaning whichever side he is used for, he will be the no.3 for the spot. I do think a return to United would be sensible, as he can easily get 10-15 appearances in which if he can impress he will move through the ranking for his position until eventually taking the starting spot. At 21 years of age, and with the chance to make an impression on the new manager, Williams will be returning at the perfect time if he wants to forge a long and successful stint at Manchester United.
Axel Tuanzebe (GO) – In an opposite manner to Brandon Williams, Axel Tuanzebe is set to be returning from a unsuccessful spell in Italy, managing just 2 appearances for Napoli this season. Having been sent on his 4th loan spell from United, this was meant to be his ‘big one’ before taking a starting spot in United’s defence, however failing to make an impression surely means he won’t be in contention for a triumphant return to Old Trafford. Now aged 24, and with United potentially looking for a new centre back signing in the summer, Tuanzebe will be falling further down the pecking order, and could join Eric Bailly and Phil Jones in leaving Manchester United for good.
Teden Mengi (STAY) – I think Teden Mengi has a great chance next season to return to Old Trafford and push for a starting spot. If my previous suggestions come to fruition, United will be left with just 3 established centre-backs, meaning Mengi can take the 4th place in the pecking order, and thus begin making more appearances in the first team. I had contemplated suggesting another loan move, however, I think after he’s been reasonably decent at Derby and now Birmingham, I think another loan move will be a sign United don’t want to push him into the first team, and instead giving him some sub-appearances and the league cup games will be a sign they believe he can become a first-teamer eventually. At 19 years of age, I think he’s ready to make this switch from under-23 star to first team squad member. If this works out, United can postpone signing reinforcements in centre-back and potentially may have a gem in their ranks.
Midfielders
Paul Pogba (GO) – This whole saga with Pogba seems to be nearing an end, and for the player and club, this summer needs to be the time to cut ties with one-another. It’s a huge shame that it hasn’t quite gone to plan with Pogba at United, but with several years left at the top of his game, he can go and win plenty of silverware in Paris or wherever he ends up, while United can look to ease the pressure on themselves and end this constant ‘will they won’t they’ relationship with the midfielder. Pogba’s recent comments sum up a lot about his time at United, and obviously he would have wanted things to go better as do the supporters, but he has been a victim of the whole United mess. Pogba in the team of 2008/2009 would be a world beater, and without the support network and stability, it’s not worked. Therefore, I think the club should look to rebuild their entire midfield, and in order to do this they let Paul Pogba go.
Andreas Pereira (GO) – Another player already out of the door is Andreas Pereira, who seems to be enjoying his time in Brazil and will be looking to make this a permanent move. I think it’s a shame we won’t see any more pre-season wonder strikes, but really United should cash in and again clean out their roster of talent. Keeping a player like Andreas Pereira would just about sum up the mess United have, so make a stand this summer and get rid.
Fred (STAY) – Fred is not a £50million player, it’s as simple as that. However, he has shown glimpses of why United spent big on him. Putting the move into Manchester aside, he will be staying at least for the next few seasons as he is versatile enough to help the midfield rebuild. He shouldn’t be expected to start each and every game as seems to be the case currently, however he’s doing enough currently to warrant his place in the side.
Bruno Fernandes (STAY) – Another obvious point here with Bruno Fernandes, as he signed a year extension not so much for fear of him leaving, but rather a signal that he is the focal point for the midfield at Manchester United for years to come (and a bit of personal financial gain one would assume). With Bruno playing in the 10 role, United have a creative attacking threat. The next manager does need to coach him on positional play however to prevent him collecting the ball from the centre-backs and trying to do everything himself, but with improvements in the squad, he will feel less responsibility to do this. Also, it may stop him whining so much.
Nemanja Matic (STAY) – At 33 (34 at the start of next season), this may well be the last time I say this about Matic, but if they are going to put up a fight on all fronts next season, cameo appearances from Matic are a guarantee for midfield solidity. I agree with many United fans in thinking Matic of 5/6 years ago is exactly what United need in midfield, however they have the slightly older version and so must manage his game time more, but they should be keeping Matic for sure.
Scott McTominay (STAY) – McTominay is the modern day ‘Mr Man United’, and has the fight and passion on the pitch that can get a crowd going. Although not quite at the top level for the long-term, he will be featuring for United for years to come. Manchester United need a holding midfielder, and this will of course reduce McTominay’s playing time, however I would be very surprised to see him leave and think he will still feature heavily next season (just hopefully not always as a McTominay-Fred partnership).
James Garner (LOAN/STAY) – The only player on this entire list I couldn’t decide about is James Garner. Man united will be signing a holding midfielder this summer surely, and so this questions whether Garner should stay and fight for his place. However, his time at Nottingham Forest has been hugely successful and impressive, and with the likes of Bruno Fernandes recently saying he can’t wait to play alongside Garner, there is a bright future at Old Trafford for him, however maybe not quite next season. I would love to see him given the push and chances in the first team, however I think perhaps a loan to a Premier League side could be preferred for next year for the final stage of his development before making the step up to United’s first team.
Hannibal Mejbri (STAY) – Having a breakthrough year for his country, Mejbri has some big name supporters picking him as a superstar of the future, and because of this I think he should stick around next year and see what may happen. I think he may be given the chance in the first XI to show what he can do, and with international call-ups giving him additional experience, then why not give him a run in the side, or at least the cup games. Should United end up in the Europa League, or even the Conference League, there will be a feast of games to try out players like Hannibal.
Jesse Lingard (GO) – I do understand Rangnick’s stance on not letting players leave permanently in January in preparation for the new manager’s arrival, however financially the decision to not sell Jesse Lingard is ridiculous. By keeping him, and then not playing him, United have essentially thrown away around £15million as he will not re-sign and will go for free in the summer, meaning United gain nothing from the last few weeks/months of his contract. Despite having a long career at United, the last year or so with broken promises and guarantees of playing time mean that he will not sign a new contract and so United have well and truly missed the boat on cashing in.
Juan Mata (GO) – This is the saddest suggestion I have to make, as I bloody love Juan Mata, and would love for him to stay for another year or so and then become a coach and mentor to younger players. However, at 33 years of age, he still has a year of playing time left in him, and perhaps a move to Spain could be on the cards to see out his playing career. If this happens, I want guarantees from United that they will bring him back to the club post-playing career.
Facundo Pellistri (STAY) – Almost identical to Mejbri, I think Pellistri should stay at United for this year and try to capitalise on any opportunity to prove himself in the first team. His current loan move at Alaves has been mediocre to say the least, however he has broken into the Uruguay national team in 2022. I think with the Spanish loan not working quite as expected, his options must be to stay at United this year and try to breakthrough, or alternatively take another year loan in the UK similar to Garner/Chong/Diallo and try to adapt to the English game to develop further. He’s only 20 and so has plenty of time to prove himself, however with United looking likely to enter the Europa League, there will be a handful of opportunities given out to youngsters throughout the squad.
Charlie Savage (LOAN) – Despite mentioning the opportunities for youngsters, I think several should be heading out on loan next year. Firstly Charlie Savage, who despite making his debut for the first team in 2021-2022, needs playing experience, and although he is getting this at U-23 level, it’s nothing in comparison to first team football. At only 18 years of age, he should begin the loan journey for a few seasons, moving through the English leagues until he is ready for the level of Manchester United.
Zidane Iqbal (LOAN) – Making his debut at the same time as Savage, Iqbal has progressed slightly already by making international appearances for Iraq and impressing in 2022 in their World Cup qualifiers, he is in a similar boat to Savage in terms of needing first team experience. The step up from U-23 football to first team football at whatever level is different and a player of Iqbal’s quality could easily go into a League 1/Championship level side and play week-in week-out and shine in those opportunities. That’s what I’d like to see and perhaps what would accelerate his career even more.
Donny Van De Beek (STAY) – Our final midfielder to discuss is a controversial one, as the Everton loan move has been solid yet not ground-breaking for VDB. However, he needs a run in United’s midfield next season as a make or break. If as expected it’s Erik ten Hag coming in, then VDB surely has to be in contention in the midfield, and with Pogba looking likely to be out, then the no.8 role is suddenly up for grabs. Bruno as the 10, VDB as the 8 and Garner/McTominay/Fred/OTHER, United have a strong midfield that with a few tweaks and plenty of coaching could provide stability at the club. I rate Donny Van De Beek highly and think he has the right spirit, and the support of the fans chanting his name, so if he can prove himself in a run of games rather than 5 minute cameo’s then he can be a great midfielder.
Forwards
Edinson Cavani (GO) – The first attacker that I think is the most likely to leave this summer is Edinson Cavani. United has become almost a home for the superstar strikers nearing the end of their career in recent times, and Cavani has been a fan favourite in his two year spell at the club, however he simply cannot stay fit enough to be of use. It feels like every gameweek, Cavani is mentioned as being injured or ill and our of contention. United can’t continue to rely on a player like this, despite his obvious talent and experience. I think for player and club, a move is likely, and Cavani will probably move to South America to see out his final years on the pitch, but leave behind fond memories at Old Trafford.
Anthony Martial (GO) – Anthony Martial’s time is up at United for me. After a solid 7 year spell, I think it’s time to pull the plug, as he hasn’t matched the expectation that many hoped. Admittedly, in the really difficult seasons that have occurred recently, he has been one of United’s top scorers, however his playing style is unlikely to suit the new manager (especially Ten Hag), while the player seems to be unhappy playing second fiddle to Ronaldo & co at this stage in his career. It’s this understandable frustration that led Martial to take the loan move to Sevilla, and I understand Rangnick’s position of not agreeing any permanent moves in case of the next manager wanting specific players, however I think they should have pushed for a permanent agreement, as it’s unlikely Sevilla will spend big on Martial considering his 1 goal in 9 appearances. However, if they can salvage £15-20million this summer, I think they should take the money and put it towards one of the many rumoured replacements that can come in.
Amad Diallo (STAY) – I was excited by this move when Diallo arrived at Old Trafford, although perhaps questioned the fees involved, and even more impressed with his decision to move on loan to Rangers. Since he has made the move past the border, he has both impressed and struggled in equal measure, however for a player needing to adapt and develop for the Premier League, Rangers could be the perfect place for this. As a result of his half-season loan, I think he should return to United and fight for a place in the starting XI. With Elanga taking his opportunities in the first team this season, I think Diallo has equal right to deserve a chance in the first team on his return, and so I wouldn’t be looking to send him out again on loan and instead build up appearances in the first team and see what he can do.
Marcus Rashford (STAY) – There of course are rumours of Rashford being unhappy and wanting out of United, however this isn’t going to happen and is pure speculation of a player who is out of form and obviously mentally ‘down’ about this. I think in the final few games with pressure off United, a run of games and goals for Rashford, along with an actual summer break could revitalise the player to his previous form and with wanting to impress a new manager who will be here on a permanent basis, I think we still haven’t seen the best from Rashford and it won’t take much for him to get back to the top.
Anthony Elanga (STAY) – The shining light of United’s season, Anthony Elanga has had a terrific 2021-2022 and is another youngster who has taken his chance in the first team and won’t want to let go anytime soon. With 4 goals from his 21 appearances for United, he is stepping onto the big stage with confidence, and with potentially Martial and Cavani freeing up spaces in the attacking ranks, Elanga will surely be expecting to build on his run of games next season and push on further. I think he will be aiming for a 10 goal season next year, and there’s no reason why he can’t manage this.
Shola Shoretire (LOAN) – In a similar manner to Diallo, Chong and Garner, I think Shoretire should be looking for a loan into possibly the Championship if possible. The reason for this is that at 18 years old and with a 4 first team appearances under his belt, he needs the experience of first team football. With United likely to be under pressure next season in each game, the change to bed into the first team is going to be minimal, and so Shoretire should follow the route taken of so many young strikers of a loan season to get some goals and plenty of first team football experience, then return to Old Trafford in the next few years a more developed and rounded player ready to make his mark.
Tahith Chong (LOAN) – The journey suggested for Shoretire is very similar to that taken from Tahith Chong over the past few seasons. With loan moves at Werder Bremen, Club Brugge and this season Birmingham City he has performed fairly consistently, however injury at Birmingham kept him out of action for nearly 4 months. As a result, I think he still needs the full season of first team action before making his way into the Manchester United first team contention. This could go either way, as the new manager, especially Ten Hag with a Dutch connection may get the best from him, however a Premier League loan may allow him to shine, or alternatively if the player is ready for a bigger role within a club, he may decide it’s not going to be at United and push for a permanent move. Personally, I think that pushing for a Premier League loan move would really demonstrate his ability, and it’s a risk free move from the club. If he succeeds on his loan, he’s ready straight away for the first team, if he fails, then they can move him on.
Jadon Sancho (STAY) – Whatever ridiculous statements the ‘TalkSport Pundits’ come out with in an attempt to get clicks, Manchester United should not, and will not sell Jadon Sancho. Admittedly, the first half of this season wasn’t anywhere near the level expected, he has grown into his role in 2022 and has been one of, if not the best attacking threat for Manchester United. With a more consistent role likely to be given, United should be focussing their attacking formation and selection based around Sancho and getting the best from him as he is a superstar and will be for years to come.
Cristiano Ronaldo (STAY) – This is the controversial one for many supporters and football fans around the world, will Ronaldo stay or go? Well for me, it will be stay for 1 more season. I think he’s not the type of player to spend just 1 season at a club, especially Manchester United. For him to leave without winning any form of silverware will be seen as failure for Ronaldo, and he’s not about that. Additionally, United have themselves in an awkward situation whereby nobody will actually take him due to the extortionate wages. With so many young attacking talents looking for guidance and support, if the new manager can create a balance of youth around Ronaldo whilst also balancing his playing time, then United’s attack suddenly becomes the dangerous threat many expected this season. Let’s just hope the next manager isn’t afraid to drop him.