While undergoing a rebuild, selling players who are no longer necessary is key. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Manchester United have done just that since the Norwegian’s appointment as permanent boss. They are making a profit shipping surplus players and will continue this in the summer. These are the players that Manchester United should sell in the summer.
The Players That Manchester United Should Sell in the Summer
Previous Successful Departures
In Solskjaer’s two windows as permanent manager at United, he has offloaded much of the deadwood. This has both freed up space and made money, allowing for the arrival of new and improved players.
Older players Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young have both departed recently, having served long stints at the club. They became surplus to requirements under Solskjaer, however, naturally they had to go.
As did that of Matteo Darmian, who had hardly played in recent seasons before he left last summer.
Similarly, James Wilson had struggled to make his way into United’s first team, and left on a free transfer.
Their most profitable sale, by quite some margin, was Romelu Lukaku.Whilst being a prolific goal scorer, he made them much needed money. His departure has worked out well for all parties involved. Inter Milan, who bought the Belgian striker, now have a fantastic new addition to their side; Lukaku has regained the form which earned him his United move, and the Manchester side have received roughly £75 million. While at the start of the season United’s lack of Lukaku was prominent. Now, new goal scorers have emerged, and his sale can certainly count as a success.
Older players with high wages Chris Smalling and Alexis Sanchez also left on loan to Italy last summer. This too has worked out well for all parties concerned.
The only player departure under Solskjaer not to have made much sense is the free transfer of Ander Herrera to Paris Saint-Germain. The Spaniard’s contract ran out in the summer. United, having failed to get him to put pen to paper, lost a star midfielder.
Who Should they Sell?
Despite many players no longer needed at United having been sold, there are many more to go.
The Players That Manchester United Should Sell: Goalkeepers
David de Gea
While he was once the world’s best goalkeeper, David de Gea has fallen from his former glory. The Spaniard hit a difficult period in the 2018 World Cup, and has not been the same since. He still shows moments of brilliance, however he has made many mistakes leading to goals this season. He is still a fantastic goalkeeper, but with Manchester United having such a rich supply of quality goalkeepers, de Gea’s departure could make room for Dean Henderson to return from loan and become United’s number one. Furthermore, his sale would be a large fund of cash for the club who are looking at many expensive targets. While he remains a much loved figure around Old Trafford, it may be time to let the Spanish goalkeeper go and use the profits effectively.
The Players That Manchester United Should Sell: Defenders
Chris Smalling
Chris Smalling’s sale could be most beneficial to happen this summer. The Englishman has had an impressive season on loan in Italy. But, with the center back positions already occupied at United, the Red Devils should cash in on him while his value remains moderately high. With interest from both Roma and Tottenham Hotspur, among others, Smalling may well leave them in the summer.
Phil Jones
Once tipped by Sir Alex Ferguson to become the greatest player in Manchester United’s history, Phil Jones has looked poor for some time. The 28-year-old has not had the successful career he may once have dreamed of. He has struggled to get into the starting team in recent seasons, with many center backs firmly ahead of him in the pecking order. There looks to be no way back for the Englishman; he said earlier this year that he would not want a testimonial match should he leave due to his unpopularity among fans, and his leaving in the summer looks likely.
Marcos Rojo
Another older defender out of favor at United, Marcos Rojo is currently out on loan at boyhood club Estudias. The Argentine has never been hugely influential at United, and he will return from loan in the summer, maybe to be sold. Rojo plays in his family hometown and may wish to make a permanent return there.
The Players that Manchester United Should Sell: Midfielders
Jesse Lingard
The seemingly ever-young player, Jesse Lingard is, in fact, 27 years of age. The Englishman looked to have the talent to become the next Xavi when he was younger, but the potential has remained largely untapped. He has had yet another disappointing season, with few performances displaying the quality he has previously shown, and with interest having arisen from Leicester, and United seemingly willing to let him go, Lingard may be on his way out of Manchester in the summer, to the delight of many fans.
Andreas Pereira
Like Lingard, Andreas Pereira seemed to have an incredible amount of potential as a youngster. He has, however, become rather infamous around Old Trafford. Pereira has had consistent game time this season, but the same cannot be said about his performances. The Brazilian has played poorly this season. He has made the occasional good display, but has lost the support of the fans. Pereira is yet another player who may have become something special having flopped dramatically. He, like Lingard, could leave United in the summer, especially as both players fit into the category of deadwood.
Juan Mata
Despite being somewhat controversial, Juan Mata is getting past his prime. He was one of the best playmakers in England for a number of years, but is getting older. Currently at the age of 31, he still has much quality to offer. But, with United looking to rebuild on youth, they should cash in on him before his value decreases too much.
Paul Pogba
The most controversial player currently at Manchester United is, without doubt, Paul Pogba. The Frenchman, who rejoined the club in 2016, is constantly linked with a move away. Some want to see him stay, linking up with new signing Bruno Fernandes in midfield; other fans want his departure, making money to fund other transfers needed to fill more pressing gaps in the squad. It will remain a controversy until the day he leaves, with people on both sides having strong arguments.
The Players That Manchester United Should Sell: Forwards
Alexis Sanchez
£500,000 a week does not seem justified for Alexis Sanchez. Ever since joining United he has not reached the heights of his former self, and, although Solskjaer has praised him in interviews, he may have been trying to drive up the Chilean’s price. He is currently on loan at Inter Milan with former team mate Lukaku, but will return in the summer. Inter are unlikely to desire him following a poor season in 2019/20, and United may have to significantly drop their asking price in order to sell the former Arsenal winger.
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