Manchester United face their most important summer since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, with current boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer overseeing the gradual emergence of a squad that will soon be aiming for major honours. Able to re-challenge.
United need to add more players in a number of key positions across the squad, but it is also a case of removing and streamlining any lingering deadwood so that resources can be used to build better. could
Here’s a closer look at every first-team player on the books at Old Trafford and whether they should stay or go this summer…
David De Gea has endured a worrying decline in form / Poll / Getty Images
David De Gea (City) – Although De Gea’s slump lasted two years and was a problem in the final weeks of the Premier League season, letting the Spaniard go is a gamble. He also deserves a show of faith for staying loyal during Real Madrid’s interest. Also, is there really a market for him this summer? maybe not.
Dan Henderson (City) – The answer to De Gea’s problem is not to just ignore it and hope it goes away on its own, because that’s what’s been tried so far and it hasn’t worked. He needs real tough competition and Henderson can give it.
Sergio Romero (GO) – If Henderson is brought back to compete with De Gea – which could be huge if he is rumored to be looking to be assured of a starting role – it may be time to let Romero go. The Argentine has been a reliable and loyal number two and will be missed.
Lee Grant (City) – Grant, 37, is a perfect example of a good third-choice goalkeeper, who knows the odds of actually playing are slim. His importance in the squad is more on the training pitch than on the actual pitch.
Joel Castro Pereira (GO) – Now 24, Pereira knows any chance of becoming United’s number one is gone. The Portuguese has just one year left on his contract so will have the opportunity to receive at least a transfer fee this summer. It’s all small.
Luke Shaw had a great 2019/20 campaign which was ended by injury / Poole/Getty Images
Aaron Van Busaka (City) – Every penny of the £45m fee United paid Crystal Palace last summer has already been seen. Fatigue was setting in towards the end of the Premier League campaign, although the post-season restart also brought better attacking input.
Luke Shaw (standing) – Shaw enjoyed perhaps his best individual season at United despite being named Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year 12 months ago. When fully fit, the 25-year-old has plenty to give and injury was a cruel way to curtail his campaign.
Brandon Williams (City) – The teenager can be excited with a debut season in the first team that has seen him make more than 30 appearances. This time last year Williams was preparing for a permanent promotion to the Under-23 squad.
Diego Dalot (GO) – Dalot did not live up to initial expectations after joining United in 2018. Even after the more frustrating injury problems that plagued his first half of the season, he was so unpopular that he barely made it back into the squad when fit. Oddly associated with Barcelona.
Timothy Fosu-Mensah (GO) – The Dutch defender is still only 22 and made his first United appearance in three years at the end of the Premier League campaign. However, that was overkill, and his chances of playing if he stays are slim.
Ethan Laird (City) – United are in need of full-back depth and it is thought to be a position on Solskjaer’s transfer wishlist, but if budget or time constraints do not allow this to happen, it could leave a window for home-grown talent Laird. The door can be opened, which made the first two numbers. The team’s performance this season.
Phil Jones has no future at Man Utd / Gareth Copley / Getty Images
Harry Maguire (Stay) – Good but room for improvement is perhaps the best way to describe Maguire’s first season at Old Trafford. The former Leicester star clearly has the ability to be a leader but is not yet a world-class player himself.
Victor Lindelof (City) – Lindelof is still capable of making mistakes, but he has shown plenty of good stuff so far in his United career. The Swede is a good partner for Maguire in terms of style of play and is now 26 years old and about to hit his prime.
Eric Bailly (City) – On his day, Bailey is potentially a top defender. The problem is that he struggled for four years to stay fit for a proper run in the side. With his contract expiring in 2022, the upcoming season could be his last chance to prove he deserves to stay longer.
Chris Smalling (GO) – Of all United players on loan in 2019/20, Smalling is the most to suggest he deserves another chance in Manchester. The problem is that he is the most salable asset they can afford to leave and the club need to increase their summer budget.
Phil Jones (GO) – It is sad that it ended this way when he was once tipped for superstardom, but Jones has now worn out his welcome at United. The 28-year-old was disappointing when he played, which was rarely, before finally succumbing to injury… again.
Mark Reed (GO) – At times, Rojo looked like he could be a genuine United star. But woeful performances and a horrendous injury record ensure it will be remembered as a flop. The latest gossip is that he would prefer to stay in Argentina after his recent loan at Estudiantes.
Axel Tuanzebe (StAY) – In what was supposed to be his breakout year as a United player, Twanzebi was blighted by hip and hamstring injuries and missed out on valuable opportunities to impress at first-team level. Solskjaer is a fan but will play for his future next season.
Paul Pogba has performed well since returning from injury/Pool/Getty Images
Paul Pogba (standing) – There was never likely to be a buyer with the funds necessary to make an acceptable offer for Pogba, but now that the Frenchman is believed to actively want to stay is a huge boost. His relationship with United’s attacking players is special.
Nemanja Matic (City) – Matic inked a new three-year contract earlier this month, a surprisingly long-term contract for someone his age. The Serbian has been a revelation as United’s defensive midfield shield when he previously looked as if he had passed him by.
Fred (live) – The Brazilian may no longer feature in United’s strongest XI, but an impressive first half of the season in a struggling team will ensure he retains a key place as a squad player going forward. Rotation will be important next season and beyond.
Scott McTominay (City) – The 23-year-old is another who is now valued as a squad player rather than an automatic starter, although he could eventually replace Matic and will continue to develop into that role as opportunities present themselves.
James Garner (go on loan) – Now 19, Garner needs first-team football to take his career development to the next level and he may not get it if he stays at Old Trafford in the short term. Ultimately, Solskjaer hopes the youngster will be the next Michael Carrick.
Jesse Lingard has struggled for playing time / James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images
Bruno Fernandes (City) – The impact Fernandes had when he joined United in January was more than even the most optimistic fans could have hoped for. His goals and creativity lifted the whole team and he won two Premier League Player of the Month awards.
Jesse Lingard (GO) – Lingard scored in the last-day win over Leicester, his first direct start in the Premier League since January 2019, but it is time to move on. It is telling that he has barely made the bench in the league since February.
Juan Mata (Stay) – As a bit-part squad player, Mata still has something to offer United, especially when it comes to rotation and ensuring Solskjaer has adequate depth to call upon. Could potentially leave at 33 next summer when his contract expires.
Andreas Pereira (GO) – Rather like Lingard, it was telling how little he had played since February after United found their rhythm and a settled XI. Arguably only appeared as much as he did this season because there were no better options.
Daniel James will be a squad player next season/Michael Steele/Getty Images
Marcus Rashford (City) – A difficult start to 2019/20 turned into Rashford’s best season to date. He scored 20 goals in all competitions for the first time in his career and is rapidly maturing as a senior leader in the squad at the age of just 22.
Anthony Martial (City) – It was a surprise for the Frenchman to return to the centre-forward position and keep his old number nine shirt back. His mentality and attitude have changed and he also reached 20 goals for the first time in his career.
Mason Greenwood (City) – Greenwood just turned 18 in October and has scored 17 goals in his first season as a first-team player. He still has time to reach 20 when the Europa League resumes and the sky is the limit for such a naturally gifted finisher.
Odion Ighalo (StAY) – Ighalo extended his loan from Shanghai Shenhua until the end of January 2021, by which time United will hope to land the extra striker they are looking for. The Nigerian will remain a relief and cup player.
Daniel James (City) – The Welsh speedster seemed to run out of steam after Christmas and could not recapture his early form even after the season resumed. Only played as much as he did because he had no other options and will be a squad player in the future.
Alexis Sanchez (GO) – While there may be an opportunity to raise transfer funds by selling Sanchez, United mostly just need to take the burden of the Chilean squad’s high wages off the wage bill. However, with resources spread out, that money could be better spent.
Tahit Chong (Go to Debt) – With a new contract until 2022 under his belt, Chong now needs first-team football to show he has a long-term future at the highest level. Old Trafford will not get the right opportunities at the moment, especially if Jadon Sancho arrives.
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