Manchester United had endured an inconsistent start to the 2019/20 campaign. But their form had been on an upturn prior to football getting suspended due to coronavirus. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is slowly rebuilding this team into his own image, having brought in five players over the last two transfer windows.
With more incomings likely in the summer, expect a few exits from Old Trafford as well. To that end, we take a look at which player from the current squad will stay or get axed in the transfer window.
Goalkeepers
David de Gea
The Manchester United No.1’s form has dipped over the past couple of years. Nevertheless, he remains a key part of the team and Solskjaer will be hoping for his ace goalkeeper to get back to his best at the earliest.
Verdict: Stays.
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Sergio Romero
The best second-choice goalkeeper, Romero has been a brilliant backup for de Gea at United. His contract will expire in a year, although the club have the option of extending it by another twelve months.
The emergence of Dean Henderson as a top-class keeper does cast a cloud on his future, but it is unlikely that Romero will be sold this summer.
Verdict: Stays.
Lee Grant
The veteran goalkeeper has played just one game for Manchester United. Nevertheless, his experience is seen as a valuable asset for a third-choice goalkeeper. Grant also penned a new one-year contract only last month.
Verdict: Stays.
Defence
Harry Maguire
Signed only last summer, Maguire has become the leader of the pack at Manchester United. Already named club captain, the Englishman is a key cog in Solskjaer’s side.
Verdict: Stays.
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Victor Lindelof
The Swede has flourished playing alongside Maguire and has put in improved performances this season. Lindelof signed a new five-year contract in September last year.
Verdict: Stays.
Eric Bailly
Injuries have meant that the Ivorian did not feature for much of the 2019/20 season, but has been brilliant since returning to full fitness. He too signed a new deal earlier this year, extending his stay at the club till 2022.
Verdict: Stays.
Axel Tuanzebe
A player tipped for a bright future, Manchester United’s academy graduate has had a stop-start season due to injuries. Nevertheless, is expected to grow into a first-team regular in the coming seasons.
Verdict: Stays.
Phil Jones
The longest-serving squad member at Manchester United currently, Jones has hardly played this term. When he has taken the field, the Englishman hasn’t been convincing enough. While he did sign a long-term deal last year, he doesn’t seem to be a part of Solskjaer’s plans and could be shown the doors this summer.
Verdict: Leaves.
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Luke Shaw
The former Southampton man is finally living up to the potential he had shown early in his career. Shaw has excelled this season, putting in impressive shifts at left-back as well as a left-sided centre-back in a three-man defence.
Verdict: Stays.
Brandon Williams
One of the breakthrough stars of the season, the Manchester United academy ace has quickly endeared himself to the fans with some fine displays. Signed a new contract in October last year.
Verdict: Stays.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
One of the best signings of the 2019/20 season, the Englishman has been a top performer for Manchester United since arriving from Crystal Palace.
Verdict: Stays.
Diogo Dalot
Wan-Bissaka's form and injuries have prohibited Dalot from featuring regularly this term, leading to rumours of a potential exit in the summer. However, given his age and potential, and the lack of backup at right-back, the Portuguese is expected to go nowhere.
Verdict: Stays.
Timothy Fosu-Mensah
The Dutchman has not featured even once this season, with injuries hampering his tenure. His contract was up this summer, but United have triggered a one-year extension. Given his age and versatility, there is a chance Solskjaer would give him some time to prove himself next season.
Verdict: Stays.
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Midfielders
Nemanja Matic
Another player whose contract was set to expire this summer, but had a one-year extension triggered by the club. Matic has worked his way back into the side after initially being pushed to the bench this season. The Serb is expected to pen a new short-term contract as well.
Verdict: Stays.
Paul Pogba
The biggest question for Manchester United heading into the summer. The player’s camp has made no secret of the fact that Pogba wants an exit. The midfielder tried to force through a move last summer, but it didn’t materialise.
He has once again been linked to Real Madrid and Juventus. But the changing economic scenario means the suitors might find it hard to meet his transfer valuation. A difficult one to call, but there is a chance that he stays for another season.
Verdict: Stays.
Scott McTominay
The academy man has steadily grown into a key player at Old Trafford. Signed a new long-term deal last year.
Verdict: Stays.
Fred
The Brazilian midfielder, after a disastrous debut season, has become the beating heart of this Manchester United side. Having enjoyed a fine resurgence, his future at the club is very much secure.
Verdict: Stays.
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Bruno Fernandes
The catalyst of Manchester United’s season, Fernandes has made an exceptional impact since signing in January.
Verdict: Stays. Obviously.
Andreas Pereira
The Brazilian had been a regular under Solskjaer for a while but has been axed by the manager recently after a series of underwhelming displays. May have signed a long-term deal last year, but is one of the players whose future at the club is in a precarious position.
Verdict: Leaves.
Juan Mata
There have been signs of age catching up, but the Spaniard remains a valuable member of the side with his experience and leadership. Has time left on his contract and will continue to essay an important role as a squad player.
Verdict: Stays.
Attackers
Daniel James
Not many expected the Welshman to make the kind of impact that he has made in his debut season. Should only get better from hereon.
Verdict: Stays.
Jesse Lingard
The Manchester United academy graduate has endured a difficult season. Poor form on the pitch and issues off the field have meant he has fallen out of favour at the club. Strong likelihood that he will be moved on this summer.
Verdict: Leaves.
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Tahith Chong
There had been rumours of an exit, but the Dutch winger has penned a new contract, extending his stay at the club. Expect him to be more involved in Solskjaer’s plans next season onwards.
Verdict: Stays.
Marcus Rashford
The club’s talisman and leading goalscorer this season, despite having been injured for a while. He is the present and the future of the Manchester United team.
Verdict: Stays.
Anthony Martial
The Frenchman is finally showing signs of living up to the potential he had shown early in his stint at Old Trafford. Has been on a consistent run of form, which will help his confidence.
Verdict: Stays.
Mason Greenwood
The biggest beneficiary of United’s decision to not sign a striker last summer, Greenwood has thrived in the first-team picture, bagging 12 goals already. Signed a contract extension in October last year.
Verdict: Stays.
Odion Ighalo
Signed on loan in January as a stop-gap solution, the Nigerian has forced the United hierarchy to consider making the deal permanent after the impact he has made.
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With finances likely to take a hit, the Red Devils might refrain from spending heavily on a big-name forward like Harry Kane. This could bode well for Ighalo as it will increase the chances of his stay getting extended.
Verdict: Stays.
Feature image courtesy: AFP / Oli Scarff
