With all the comings and goings at Old Trafford over the summer to balance the squad seven players were sent out on season long loans. Now at the halfway stage of the season how are those players doing at their loan clubs and what chance do they have at returning to Manchester United? This loan report looks into those that have a future at the Theatre of Dreams, and those that will not be returning any time soon.
Nani – Sporting Lisbon
Nani returned to Sporting Lisbon on loan in the summer and despite good performances and 6 goals in 21 appearances a future at Old Trafford does not appear to be on the horizon. A long term future with Sporting may also be out of the question for financial reasons. Currently United are paying the majority of Nani’s wages, which suggests Sporting can’t afford to keep him much past this season. So Nani’s long term future may not be in Manchester but it appears unlikely to be in Lisbon either.
Ángelo Henríquez – Dinamo Zagreb
Now in his third season with Manchester United, Henríquez is also on his third loan spell. One of only four current United players to have lifted the FA Cup, Juan Mata Robin Van Persie and Darren Fletcher being the others, after winning while on loan at Wigan, he spent last season on loan to Real Zaragoza before heading out to Dinamo Zagreb this term. Despite seven goals in 12 appearances it is hard to see where Henríquez fits into the United first team long term with established stars Rooney, Van Persie and Falcao in addition to the emergence of James Wilson. Clearly a talented player, Henríquez may find that, to get first team football and show what he can do, he may have to leave Old Trafford.
Javier Hernández – Real Madrid
Signed in the summer of 2010 for £7 million, Javier Hernández was a regular on the score sheet for Manchester United, 59 goals in 154 appearances in all competitions, however struggled to hold down a starting place under either Sir Alex Ferguson or David Moyes. The Mexican international went on loan to Real Madrid in an attempt to win a starting spot but has been equally frustrated. One start and seven sub appearances are all Hernández has to show for his efforts this term, despite returning three goals. While it seems unlikely he returns to Old Trafford in the summer, if first team football is Hernández’s ultimate goal a permanent move to the Santiago Bernabéu may be just as unlikely.
Guillermo Varela – Real Madrid Castilla
Guillermo Varela joined Manchester United as David Moyes’ first signing in June 2013, however made no appearances in his first season at Old Trafford. Varela joined Real Madrid’s reserve side, Real Madrid Castilla, on loan for the 2014/15 season and has made 17 appearances helping Castilla to third in Segunda División B. At 21, Varela has time still to forge a career at Manchester United however his future may depend on who else Louis Van Gaal brings in over the next couple of transfer windows.
Wilfred Zaha – Crystal Palace
Sir Alex Ferguson’s final signing before retiring came to Old Trafford full of promise on the back of securing promotion with Crystal Palace. However he is yet to fulfil his potential at Manchester United. After a disappointing 2013/14, he has re-joined his old club on loan, but his return to Selhurst Park has not gone smoothly with Zaha not consistently commanding a place in Neil Warnock’s starting XI. Time may be on the young winger’s side but a return to Old Trafford may depend on what system Van Gaal decides to play (who stated in the summer he does not feel Zaha fits into the 3-5-2) as much as it does his performances under new Palace manager Alan Pardew.
Vanja Milinković-Savić – FK Vojvodina
Milinković-Savić is a player many may not have heard of, however Manchester United signed the Serbian under 19 goalkeeper from FK Vojvodina in the summer of 2014. The 17 year old remained at FK Vojvodina on loan and is clearly someone United have earmarked for the future. After keeping seven clean sheets in 17 appearances, it is likely next season will also be spent out on loan, as United look to continue his development.
Tom Cleverley – Aston Villa
Tom Cleverley does not appear to have a future with Manchester United. The midfielder himself admitted this shortly after joining Aston Villa on loan. With Villa having an option on the player during the January transfer window and his contract expiring in the summer it looks as though Cleverley’s time at Old Trafford will be over. Cleverley’s play this season has been solid but not outstanding and might mean Aston Villa forgo picking up their option on Cleverley (reported to be in the region on £7 million) in order to try and get him for free when his contract expires. Everton are also known to be monitoring the Englishman.
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