As Man United prepare for a long eight week stretch that, they hope, will culminate in Champions League football next year, they haven’t been at such a high all season. Having struggled to find their identity early on under Louis van Gaal, and with the Dutchman’s persistence on playing his players in alternative positions, the Old Trafford crowds have sat restless for much of the year, but after a merciless demolition of Spurs last weekend, the Red Devils are in a good position to challenge Arsenal in 3rd and claim automatic entry into the world’s most prestigious continental competition.
The only blip in recent weeks has been that FA Cup exit at the hands of Arsenal when they were widely expected to win. Overall, though everything is positive.
However, if and when they kick off their Champions League campaign in six months’ time, the squad will need bolstering, given their glaring issues at the back that have caused much consternation throughout this season, whilst the front line that appeared to induce fear in the opposition to start the year, has failed to live up to such expectation. As part of that squad turnover, which of the current flock may be forced to find pastures new?
Robin van Persie
When the Dutch striker switched from Arsenal to Man United three years ago, there was reason enough to support claims that he and Wayne Rooney would provide a lethal pairing up front, and with 30 goals in 48 games, his first year in Manchester was a roaring success. Injuries curtailed his second campaign, and he has failed to find the same firepower this season after a long World Cup.
Despite having netted ten times in 2014/15, RVP could be the first of Man United’s big names to depart the club given his big wage packet, but also the value he still maintains. Should he continue to decline, or once again show the fragility that scarred his years at Arsenal, his transfer value will drop in upcoming windows. If United sell now, they can maximise profit, and it is likely there will be a lot of interested suitors.
Antonio Valencia
Six years after making his move to Old Trafford from Wigan, the winger is still finding regular football at Man United, but it’s been three seasons since he’s claimed his Player of the Year success at the club. He could soon be plying his trade elsewhere. With Adnan Januzaj continuing to push for a more regular role as a starter, Valencia may be available, and, for United, at a good price.
Ashley Young
As with Antonio Valencia, so it is with Ashley Young. A player that has often failed to impress in long stints with the team, with only four goals in three seasons, and a reduced role within the first team, the ex-Villa player may soon be forced to find a new club. Young would attract a lot of attention amongst other Premier League teams, and could possibly find a place in a side competing for European football.
Chris Smalling
In his fourth season at the club, Smalling has regularly garnered criticism for sloppy performances, and has rarely hit the form expected of a regular at Old Trafford. Given their need to bolster the quality at the back, Smalling could be one that makes his way out the door in the summer, and he probably tops the list of those the club wishes off their hands.
David de Gea
Of course, while there are a few players that United will gladly get off their books this summer, De Gea is the one man at the club who has regularly earned plaudits, and he’s been their standout this season. The Spanish shot stopper is a key block on which van Gaal will want to build his Man United future, and should he leave the club, it will be a big blow to any plans the Dutchman has.
Yet, with Real Madrid in the market for a long term replacement for Iker Casillas, the Spaniard seems to be the perfect fit, and it is hard to picture him turning down the ten time European champions.