Four players Manchester United could do without next season
Published:
It’s fair to say it’s been a pretty tumultuous season for Louis van Gaal’s Manchester United outfit and one that’s led to big questions being asked about the state of the current squad.
And while it may not be the current incumbent who’s given the task of any overhaul, it’s impossible to escape the fact that there’s still plenty more work to do despite the vast sums shelled out in recent years.
With that in mind we’ve cast our eye over a few of the passengers who should be moved on this summer.
Marcus Rojo
If this guy had a tattoo for every time someone questioned his ability, he’d, err, have even more body art.
Answer this. Where does Marcus Rojo actually play? What is he? How did this deal happen?
Given Luke Shaw’s imminent return and the emergence of Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Rojo’s starting role at left back appears to be coming to an end.
Recent reports linking John Stones and Raphael Varane to United to play alongside Chris Smalling, combined with Phil Jones’ comeback and a general feeling that Daley Blind is simply a better player, suggest Rojo will eventually fall further and further down the pecking order at Old Trafford.
Verdict: Dead wood.
Marouane Fellaini
How is it possible to give a reasoned answer in just 100 words?
Bare knuckle fighter Fellaini just doesn’t offer anything anymore. He arrived as the stand-out player of an Everton team that got David Moyes the job as United boss, and should leave as the player who epitomises the torrid times experienced in the red-half of Manchester over the last three years.
His recent assault on Leicester City’s Robert Huth only exemplifies this further and proves the Belgian midfielder only steps onto the pitch for one thing: a scrap.
Verdict: Will never fit the United mould.
Bastian Schweinsteiger
Van Gaal wanted to make a real statement of intent last summer by bringing in the German maestro.
He said: “He brings a wealth of experience and is an excellent addition to our squad” last year, which is true in theory.
However, assuming rumours are true that United are in the hunt for a defensive midfielder, with Nemanja Matic being high on the list should Mourinho arrive, where does this leave a 31-year-old Schweinsteiger recovering from a season on the sick?
Verdict: A shame, but he has to go.
Ashley Young
In short, there’s just no room for a 30-year-old Ashley Young in this youthful, potentially budding United squad.
If Van Gaal or his successor doesn’t make this decision, then Young should do so himself – for the sake of his career. Another player falling down the pecking order as a result of Van Gaal’s faith in youth.
Verdict: Sell and replace.
Four potential replacements:
OUT – Marcus Rojo IN – Raphael Varane
OUT – Marouane Fellaini IN – Christian Eriksen
OUT – Bastian Schweinsteiger IN – Nemanja Matic
OUT – Ashley Young IN – Riyad Mahrez
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
