All signs point to a massive overhaul at Old Trafford this summer, as there could be as many as ten player arrivals and departures combined. Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho says the team will not spend “crazy” money to try and catch up to rivals Manchester City, but clearly some change is coming, and it is certainly needed.
United will definitely need to buy a midfielder, as Michael Carrick will retire and join the Red Devils coaching staff. So while the Captain is the only player 100% certain not to be on the roster next year, let’s look at who else could leave, and we ranked them in descending order from most likely to leave Manchester United to least.
Click on each player’s name where highlighted for a link to more on their future.
It seems that he go on a free transfer and follow the money wherever it goes- staying domestic, or USA, China, Italy or Turkey. Go here for more on that.
He’s emblematic of the term “roller coaster career,” as his time at Old Trafford has seen a ton of ups and downs; not just with Mourinho, but also with his predecessor, Louis van Gaal. Shaw has battled plenty of injuries and public callouts by both managers. He’s seen periods where he’s settled in at the left back position, only to be later reintroduced to Mr. bench.
It appears his chances have now run out, as Mourinho has thrown him under the bus repeatedly.
Since Alexis Sanchez arrived, the Frenchman only has four starts and no goals to his name. He won’t consider re-signing long term, until he knows for sure what his role will be. He wants regular 90 minute opportunities and he can get them at some of the big clubs. Go here for more on that.
Matteo Darmian and Daley Blind
Grouped these two defenders, and Van Gaal summer transfer window buys, together because they simply haven’t found their place under Mourinho and likely never will. Both seem to have been given their chances, but the Portugese has run out of patience with them.
The £89.3 million man would be higher up on this list, but given his super salary, potential destinations are limited. The Frenchman, if he does move, only has the big money clubs as possible landing spots; for obvious reasons. It’s been difficult to read this situation all season long, because while it’s clear that Pogba isn’t really working out at United, and not living up to those sky high expectations, there’s been a ton of fake news published about him.
Pogba has been very inconsistent, and his style doesn’t seem to gel too well with Mourinho. NBC Sports has a great piece today about Pogba, and why he probably might be playing elsewhere next season.
Chris Smalling
If the fans could pick someone to leave, the central defender might be their first choice (at least for the few weeks leading up to the Manchester derby at least), but of course, it’s up to the board and Mourinho, not the fans.
The Manchester United player of the year last season isn’t likely to leave this summer, but with his long term future admittedly in doubt, it’s still possible. The Spaniard has made it clear that he wants to stay, but with his now playing in a reduced role, who knows where the future might take him.
Seven changes to your #MUFC starting XI… #BOUMUN pic.twitter.com/iKbO0SyRaa
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 18, 2018
Seven of these players made it into the starting XI tonight at Bournemouth, a line-up which was announced just after this listicle was completed. It makes sense, as Mourinho did say he was going to drop many of his stars and play some of his fringe players in this one.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes regularly to WGN CLTV and the Tribune company’s blogging community Chicago Now.
Follow him on Twitter, Instagram, Sound Cloud, LinkedIn and YouTube.