Football

5 players who could still leave Manchester United this summer

Sitam Chaki
|Published August 23, 2016

Schweinsteiger has been cast out by Mourinho

Jose Mourinho’s reign at Manchester United has begun with a bang. Among the many changes wrung out at Old Trafford, there have been 4 signings who have strengthened the team in different areas. Bastian Schweinsteiger has been told to find a new club. This has also resulted in several fringe players leaving the club, either permanently or on loan. This includes the likes of Guillermo Varela, Adnan Januzaj, Paddy Mcnair, Donald Love, Cameron Borthwick Jackson and Tyler Blackett. Here we look at 5 players who could still leave Manchester United this summer.

1) Matteo Darmian

The Italian only joined Manchester United last summer. He was one of the lower profile signings of the summer. However, he soon started proving his worth. Adept at playing at both full back positions, the Italian quickly became a fan favourite.

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However, after a dip in form, he was dropped from the starting XI. The likes of Ashley and Young and Antonio Valencia were preferred to the Italian. Darmian also missed the FA Cup Final due to injury.

Mourinho has preferred Antonio Valencia at right back. The Ecuadorian has done a more than decent job too. Mourinho has also spoken highly about youngster, Timothy Fosu Mensah. As a result Darmian hasn’t even featured in the match day squad this season.

Thus, there is a good chance Darmian would seek greener pastures. There would be no shortage of suitors too.

2) Andreas Pereira

Andreas Pereira is one of the most talented footballers to emerge from Carrington in recent years. He started making waves in the 2014-15 season and was given his first team debut by Louis van Gaal. Towards, the end of the season he was tied down to a new contract.

Also Read: Tragic end for Wenger in sight?

However, the promise of first team action never materialised. In 2015-16, United made headlines with the acquisitions of Memphis Depay and Anthony Martial. As a result Pereira’s place in the team was blocked by big money signings.

This season, Pereira has been excluded from Mourinho’s 26 member squad. At the same time, the United hierarchy do not want to lose a talented player. As a result it is almost confirmed that the Belgium born Brazilian will leave the club on loan.

3) Ashley Young

Ashley Young joined Manchester United in 2011 after a couple of stellar seasons with Aston Villa. His performance over the last 5 years has been underwhelming, to say the least.

Also Read: 5 things we learnt from Manchester United’s victory over Southampton

Young enjoyed a temporary lease of life under Van Gaal in 2014-15. Towards the end of the season, Young was even preferred to record signing Angel di Maria. He responded with a man of the match performance in the Manchester derby, along with several other polished displays.

Last season, Young was mostly used as a makeshift fullback and even, outrageously, as a centre forward. A team man, the Englishman played his part without fuss. However, this season, Mourinho has been inclined to prefer the likes of Jesse Lingard.

Young’s days at Old Trafford seem numbered. It would not be surprising if he decides to pack his backs, if a suitable offer comes in.

4) Will Keane

Will Keane’s career at Old Trafford has never really taken off. A knee ligament injury ruled him out of the 2012-13 season, just when it looked like he would force his way into the first team. That was followed by a series of loan moves as United moved on to Robin Van Persie.

United’s shortage of strikers, last season, led to Keane getting a few appearances under Louis Van Gaal. However, his injury woes caught up with him. This resulted in an 18 year old making his debut. That 18 year old was Marcus Rashford and the rest is history.

It looks unlikely that Keane will get in a look in with the first team. At 23 years old, he has certainly outgrown his days in the reserves league. A move seems imminent.

5) Phil Jones

Jones was signed along with David de Gea and Ashley Young in the summer of 2011. Hailed as a great talent, the 19 year old Jones seemed destined for success at Old Trafford. Things haven’t turned out as well as he hoped.

Jones initially garnered praise after his first few matches. However, he was soon shunted between centre back, right back and central midfield. A series of debilitating injuries haven’t helped his cause. Alarmingly, Jones made only 13 appearances in the 2015-16 season, mostly due to being out injured.

Jose Mourinho’s acquisition of Eric Bailly was meant to send a message. The Portuguese manager has never had patience for injury prone players and hasn’t changed his opinion.

Still only 24, there should be no dearth of offers for Jones. Maybe a move away will allow him to settle and reach his potential.

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About the author

Sitam Chaki