Manchester United Clear Out (Part 3)
If the goalkeeping group needs clarity and the defence needs reinforcement, then the midfield needs… well, a bit of everything. The 2022/23 season showed real progress, with Casemiro transforming the spine and Eriksen adding calm on the ball, but it also revealed the limits of United’s depth and the urgency for high-quality additions.
Let’s break down each midfielder and judge whether they should stay, go, or head out on loan.
Midfielders
Casemiro – Keep
The signing that changed United’s identity. Casemiro brought leadership, aggression, intelligence, and a winning mentality. His absence was always felt, which tells you everything about his importance.
He remains an automatic keep.
Verdict: Keep
Christian Eriksen – Keep
Eriksen exceeded expectations in the first half of the season before fatigue and injuries caught up with him. His creativity, composure, and tempo-setting are hugely valuable, even if he shouldn’t be overused.
A vital squad member moving forward.
Verdict: Keep
Bruno Fernandes – Keep
The heartbeat, the workhorse, the creator, and, unofficially at this stage, the leader. Fernandes played more minutes than almost anyone in Europe and still delivered high productivity.
Ten Hag trusts him completely.
Verdict: Keep
Fred – Sell
A fan favourite for his work rate and chaos-inducing style, but consistency has always been an issue. With his contract entering its final year and United needing to raise funds, summer 2023 feels like the right time to part ways.
There will be interest, and United can reinvest.
Verdict: Sell
Scott McTominay – Sell
McTominay has been a reliable servant, but his role has diminished. Casemiro occupies his best position, and the Scotland international needs regular minutes to maintain his level.
As with Maguire, a sale would bring in useful funds.
Verdict: Sell
Donny van de Beek – Sell
Another season ruined by injury, but even before that, Van de Beek hadn’t found his place under Ten Hag. It’s just not clicked for him at Old Trafford despite the Ajax connection.
A move would suit all parties.
Verdict: Sell
Kobbie Mainoo – Keep
Mainoo is one of the brightest prospects in the academy and has already impressed in first-team cameos. Ten Hag rates him highly, and while he may not play every week, he should be integrated gradually.
A loan isn’t necessary unless United bring in multiple midfielders.
Verdict: Keep
Zidane Iqbal – Sell
As of June 2023, Iqbal’s move to FC Utrecht has already been agreed pending paperwork. A talented technician, but opportunities at United were always going to be limited.
Verdict: Already being sold
Charlie Savage – Loan
Savage needs senior minutes. He’s tidy on the ball and mature tactically but still physically developing. A Championship or League One loan spells would be ideal.
Verdict: Loan
Anthony Elanga – Sell
Elanga works hard and is a good squad professional, but his development has plateaued. After limited minutes in 2022/23, he needs a new challenge, and United can make a profit.
Verdict: Sell
Hannibal Mejbri – Loan
Hannibal had a strong loan season at Birmingham City, showing aggression, energy, and personality. He’s close to first-team level but still needs refining. One more competitive loan, ideally in a top division, makes sense.
Verdict: Loan
Let us know your thoughts on these choices, and importantly who should United be looking at as possible replacements ahead of a big season at Old Trafford under Ten Hag.