*This post was written in late December 2021, the day after Manchester United drew 1-1 with Newcastle United.*

Manchester United once again will be having a busy transfer window, and with some big decisions to make primarily in their departures, as some huge names are out of contract in the summer, and with broken promises, poor performances and a lack of game time, some big players are massively at risk of walking away for free from the club. Therefore, January will be the last chance to cash in on some of their out-of-favour talent, and so we have picked out 5 big first team players who may be on their way out of Old Trafford in the next few weeks. As we will discuss shortly, some may only leave on loan, and some may be convinced to stay, however there are certainly huge decisions to make for new man Ralf Rangnick as he prepares for a new era at the club. I massively respect his attitude and understanding that any player questioning to leave must go to him and inform him, which is very traditional and something football should have more of, but whether these conversations are taking place is another matter.

As always, let us know what you think about our selections and thoughts on these, or if there’s other players you think may be on their way out, @NextGoalWinBlog on Twitter, we’d love to hear from you.

Anthony Martial – Transfer

French striker Martial has made his feelings very clear, he wants out and is eyeing up a move to Sevilla, who just today have had a loan move rejected, as United (rightly so) are asking for a permanent deal or nothing. It makes sense after investing £50million on the youngster around 7 years ago. After 268 games and 79 goals, he has been reliable when on the pitch, however he has really stumbled since the start of the season, and with the arrival of Sancho and Ronaldo, the space for him in the starting XI is all but gone. Additionally, the lethargic style of play just simply will not work in Rangnick’s ideology, and therefore now is the time to cash in, and hopefully the player can go and make something of his peak years elsewhere in Europe which I’m sure he will.

Jesse Lingard – Loan/Transfer

There are just broken promises and unfortunate circumstances with Jesse Lingard, and although a United player since childhood, it may be time to make a permanent move elsewhere, and the price might finally be right for all parties. With a successful loan move to West Ham last season, there was talk in the summer that the move could be made permanent, however with both parties unable to agree terms, and promises of game time at Old Trafford delaying and move, he remained at the club. However, with only 12 appearances to his name so far this season, I think he will be pushing for a move away now where at West Ham he could be a star player in a exciting project where the fans adored him. It’s the time to make the move happen, and whether a loan with option to buy or just a straight out permanent move, it’s time to make the move. Manchester United fans will always have the memories of the loyal and talented midfielder, but they will applaud him when he plays as a visitor.

Paul Pogba – Transfer/Stay

Either sign a new contract or get whatever price you can. That HAS to be the decision for Paul Pogba in January. Rangnick has shown his unwillingness to deal with agents and players who are debating staying and leaving, therefore Pogba needs to have a decision made in the next few weeks, and in the best case scenario, he signs a new contract to keep playing or get a higher price in the summer, or cash in for whatever price they can get, as surely a minimum of £25million will be preferred to letting a top quality player walk away for nothing in the summer. United have to learn from the last time Pogba left, otherwise in 5 years time again United might have to pay another £80million to bring him back.

Dean Henderson – Loan

I honestly don’t think this will happen, as Henderson seems the kind of player to either stick it out and fight for his place, or he will leave permanently after having spent 2 years on loan. The return to Old Trafford really put pressure on De Gea, and to be fair to the Spaniard, he stepped up. With being kept on the bench by a goalkeeper in top form, Henderson will need to decide where he goes next, does he keep fighting and wait for his chance in the starting XI, or take a loan move to keep in form and in contention for Qatar 2022, or move permanently. Personally, I think the smartest move is a loan to a Premier League side, whereby he gets top quality football, stays in contention for England, but can return to Old Trafford when De Gea eventually moves on.

Donny Van De Beek – Stay

My final option actually contradicts this post, as it’s a player who may be wanting a move, however Manchester United need to keep Dutch midfielder Van De Beek. Having sporadic appearances, Ole made promises that he didn’t quite live up to, and the player was stuck on the bench. With Rangnick giving him a few more chances, VDB can really fight for a place in the starting XI, and stick it out. With rumours of Ten Hag coming in as permanent manager, VDB will be bumped up the rankings given their history at Ajax together. Resist temptation to let him go, as this level of competition is what United need in their ranks, and having VDB pressure Fernandes, Fred and others for places, this is the level they should be at.