As Manchester United looks ahead to the next transfer window, the club faces some tough decisions about which players to sell in order to streamline their squad and raise funds for new signings. Following years of underperformance, it is clear that a massive-scale squad overhaul is necessary. This includes not only offloading surplus players but also addressing the future of manager Eric Ten Hag, whose position is under scrutiny. Balancing the need to sell players while maintaining squad depth and quality is a delicate task. In this blog post, we rank the players Manchester United should consider selling this summer, from the least necessary to the most urgent, evaluating the pros and cons of letting each player go.
Top 10 Players Manchester United Should Sell
10. Marcus Rashford
Pros:
- Homegrown talent and fan favorite.
- Provides versatility in attacking positions and has a proven goal-scoring record.
Cons:
- Inconsistent form and fitness issues.
- Selling him could disrupt team morale given his stature at the club.
Marcus Rashford is a beloved figure at Manchester United, known for his speed and ability to score crucial goals. However, his recent inconsistency, rumored attitude problems and injury woes have raised questions about his long-term impact. While selling Rashford might generate significant funds, it could also lead to a backlash from fans and affect team morale.
9. Casemiro
Pros:
- Experienced and skilled defensive midfielder with leadership qualities.
- Provides stability and balance in the midfield.
Cons:
- Age and potential decline in physicality.
- High wages could be a financial burden.
Casemiro brings a wealth of experience and has been a key player in United's midfield. Despite his value, his age and high salary might prompt the club to consider cashing in on him while they still can. However, his leadership and defensive capabilities would be hard to replace.
8. Victor Lindelof
Pros:
- Reliable and experienced center-back.
- Versatile enough to play in various defensive roles.
Cons:
- Not always a first-choice starter.
- Occasional lapses in concentration.
Victor Lindelof has been a dependable figure in Manchester United's defense, but he often finds himself overshadowed by other defenders. His versatility makes him a valuable squad member, yet his occasional mistakes might convince the club to let him go if a good offer comes in.
7. Jadon Sancho
Pros:
- Young and highly talented winger.
- Potential to become a top player in the Premier League.
Cons:
- Struggled to consistently adapt to the Premier League.
- Off-field issues and conflict with manager Eric Ten Hag.
Jadon Sancho arrived at United with high expectations but has struggled to consistently deliver. While his talent is undeniable, his adaptation issues and hefty price tag might make him a candidate for sale if the club decides they need immediate results rather than potential.
6. Antony
Pros:
- Creative winger with flair and technical skills.
- Young and has room for development.
Cons:
- Inconsistent performances and occasional lack of end product.
- High transfer fee could limit interest from other clubs.
Antony's flair and creativity make him an exciting player to watch, but his inconsistency and sometimes ineffective end product have raised doubts. Given his high transfer fee, the club might look to recoup some of their investment if his performances don't improve.
5. Harry Maguire
Pros:
- Strong physical presence and aerial ability.
- Experience as a former club captain.
Cons:
- Often criticized for lack of pace and positioning errors.
- High salary and declining form.
Harry Maguire has faced intense scrutiny during his time at Manchester United. While his leadership and aerial prowess are assets, his lack of pace and frequent defensive lapses make him a prime candidate for sale as the club looks to revamp their backline.
4. Scott McTominay
Pros:
- Homegrown talent with a strong work ethic.
- Versatile, capable of playing in multiple midfield roles.
Cons:
- Limited technical ability compared to other midfielders.
- Not a consistent starter in the current setup.
Scott McTominay's commitment and versatility have been valuable, but his limited technical skills compared to other midfield options might see him moved on. Selling him could free up space for more technically gifted midfielders and generate funds for reinforcements.
3. Donny van de Beek
Pros:
- Technically gifted and versatile midfielder.
- Proven talent in the Dutch league.
Cons:
- Struggled to secure regular playing time.
- Appears to be surplus to requirements under current management.
Donny van de Beek arrived with much promise but has failed to break into the starting lineup consistently. His technical skills are evident, but a lack of playing time suggests he might be better off finding opportunities elsewhere.
2. Jonny Evans
Pros:
- Experienced defender who provides depth.
- Familiarity with the club and Premier League experience.
Cons:
- Age and declining physical attributes.
- Primarily a backup option rather than a first-team regular.
Jonny Evans was brought back to provide defensive cover, but his age and declining physical attributes mean he is not a long-term solution. Moving him on could make room for younger, more dynamic defenders.
1. Mason Greenwood
Pros:
- Young, talented forward with a high ceiling.
- Proven goal-scoring ability and versatility in attack.
Cons:
- Off-field issues and controversy.
- Potential negative impact on club’s image and brand.
Mason Greenwood’s immense talent is overshadowed by off-field controversies. While his goal-scoring ability is a significant asset, the negative impact on the club’s image and potential for ongoing distractions make him the most urgent candidate for sale.
Conclusion
Deciding who to sell is never easy, especially for a club with the stature of Manchester United. Balancing immediate financial gains with long-term squad cohesion and performance is crucial, but it is clear that the current direction needs adjustment, primarily in the current state of the playing squad. By carefully considering the pros and cons of each player, United can make informed decisions that will help them build a stronger, more competitive team for the future.
