More than 10 Manchester United players are in danger of being sold during the summer transfer window following the club’s dismal elimination from the Europa League.
Harry Maguire, Anthony Martial and Jadon Sancho reportedly lead a long list of players who could be moved on, with the Red Devils clear in their knowledge that they will need to offload a number of players if they are to generate funds for Erik ten Hag to reinvest in the squad.
Erik ten Hag has enjoyed a fine first season at Old Trafford, guiding the club to their first trophy since 2017 after their Carabao Cup triumph in February. However, Thursday’s chastening 3-0 defeat at Sevilla that eliminated Manchester United 5-2 on aggregate from the Europa League has focused Ten Hag’s evaluation of his squad as he seeks to continue his revamp.
15 Manchester United players on the chopping block
Harry Maguire, Jadon Sancho, Anthony Martial, Fred and Scott McTominay are among 15 Man United players on the chopping block, with Ten Hag keen to upgrade his squad in preparation for the 2023/24 campaign.
Other players Ten Hag is considering disposing of are Donny Van de Beek, Anthony Elanga, Victor Lindelof, Dean Henderson, Hannibal Mejbri and Brandon Williams. Out-of-contract Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe are definitely heading out, with Alex Telles and Eric Bailly—who are out on loan—also unlikely to return.
Ten Hag also has to decide whether the loan moves of Marcel Sabitzer and Wout Weghorst should be turned into permanent deals. It is understood that Weghorst may not be retained but that a permanent deal for Bayern Munich’s Sabitzer may happen.
David de Gea’s future at Old Trafford uncertain
David de Gea is yet to sign a new contract at Man United as he edges to the end of his current deal in June.
One of the club’s longest-serving players, the Spanish goalkeeper’s future at the club remains uncertain as it has been for some time. De Gea, 32, was a part of the defensive horror show against Sevilla in Spain on Thursday, adding to a long list of errors he has made this season. This has forced Ten Hag to place his current No.1 on the chopping board.
De Gea has been a great servant to the Red Devils but he doesn’t fit the profile of a modern sweeper-keeper who is composed with the ball at his feet and can initiate attacks from the back. Whilst an amazing shot-stopper, the Spaniard’s lack of command in the box and inability to play out from the back has cost United several times.
If enough funds are generated from player sales, Ten Hag may dip in the transfer market for a goalkeeper to be his new No.1 next season. If a new goalkeeper arrives, De Gea’s time at Old Trafford should come to an end.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.
