Manchester United Clear Out (Part 2)
If Part 1 showed us anything, it’s that Manchester United need clarity and direction moving forward, and nowhere is that truer than in defence. The 2022/23 season gave Erik ten Hag a solid platform to build on, thanks largely to some brilliant individual performances, but also exposed the lack of depth and consistency in certain areas.
Let’s go through each defender and decide: keep, sell, or loan.
Defenders
Raphaël Varane – Keep
Varane’s influence was immense throughout 2022/23. When fit, he brings calmness, leadership, and world-class defensive instincts. United simply defend better with him. Injuries remain a concern, but he’s foundational in Ten Hag’s system.
Verdict: Keep
Lisandro Martínez – Keep
Arguably United’s best signing of the 2022/23 season. Martínez transformed the defence with his aggression, ability on the ball, and attitude. A nailed-on starter and a fan favourite.
Verdict: Keep
Harry Maguire – Sell
It’s been a difficult couple of years for Maguire. While still a capable centre-back, he has slipped to a backup role and doesn’t fit Ten Hag’s preferred quick, mobile, proactive style. At 30, Maguire needs regular football, and United could use the funds to reinvest.
Verdict: Sell
Victor Lindelöf – Keep
Lindelöf stepped up well during the injury crisis late in the season. While not ideal as a long-term starter, he’s a reliable and intelligent squad option. His technical ability also suits Ten Hag’s approach.
Verdict: Keep
Eric Bailly – Sell
Bailly spent the season on loan at Marseille, where injuries and form issues continued. With his contract winding down and availability remaining a major concern, it’s time for a clean break.
Verdict: Sell
Axel Tuanzebe – Release
Released by the club in June 2023. A talented academy graduate whose career has been hampered by recurring injuries. This parting of ways was already confirmed.
Verdict: Already released
Teden Mengi – Loan
Mengi is promising but needs injury-free football to develop. A loan spell at a Championship or lower-table Premier League side could give him the minutes he needs.
Verdict: Loan
Luke Shaw – Keep
Shaw enjoyed one of his best seasons at the club, thriving both at left-back and occasionally at centre-back. Ten Hag clearly trusts him, and he’s part of the core moving forward.
Verdict: Keep
Tyrell Malacia – Keep
Signed in summer 2022, Malacia showed energy, defensive intensity, and solid depth behind Shaw. A good squad full-back with potential to grow.
Verdict: Keep
Diogo Dalot – Keep
Dalot was United’s first-choice right-back for much of the season. He fits Ten Hag’s style, improved defensively, and signed a new long-term contract in May 2023. His versatility is a plus.
Verdict: Keep
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – Keep
Wan-Bissaka’s turnaround after the World Cup was one of United’s biggest surprises. Excellent 1v1 defender, tactically more disciplined, and competent going forward in specific patterns.
If he maintains this level, he’s a valuable asset, but United should still listen to big offers given Ten Hag’s preference for more inverted, on-the-ball full-backs.
Verdict: Keep (for now)
Brandon Williams – Sell
Williams barely featured in 2022/23 and is now behind Shaw and Malacia at left-back, plus behind Dalot and Wan-Bissaka on the right. A permanent move would benefit his career.
Verdict: Sell
Álvaro Fernández – Loan
Fernández had a promising loan at Preston North End, showing attacking flair and athleticism. He needs another step up, perhaps a Premier League loan, to gauge whether he has a United future.
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.