It’s suffice to say that Manchester United have been experiencing a rather dismal season. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked at the back-end of November and there has been little visible improvement since German maestro Ralph Rangnick took to the helm. Granted, the problems are evidently too severe for Rangnick to merely patch up- wholesale changes throughout the whole structure of the club are indeed needed before the start of next season. It’s kind of sad that a season where United managed to acquire Cristiano Ronaldo, Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane has already been written off, with hopes hindered on next season. The right manager, whoever that may be (please Ten Haag), will surely have a great task on his hands. So taking an early look, who should be moved on? Find out below.
Ins & Outs: Who Needs To Leave Manchester United This Summer?
Edinson Cavani – Leave
There’s no doubt that Cavani was a top player in his prime, and even last season for Manchester United. However, his impact has severely been limited this year. You could say that this is due to the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo, but it has to be noted that he has sparingly been available this season. Cavani has appeared in only 12 of 31 Premier League games this season, scoring twice. Injuries have blighted his availability, yet it always seems as though he is available for Uruguay. The final straw among United fans must have been for the City game, where even though Cavani had trained all week, had declared himself unfit for the game. Perhaps it’s best he moved on this summer.
Juan Mata – Leave
Mata is another that was phenomenal in his prime, albeit at Chelsea. Mata was one of David Moyes first signings to bring in the post-Fergie era, but it hasn’t quite worked out. Mata has played a sporadic role throughout his time at the club, never quite making that ’10’ role his own. At this stage, Mata simply isn’t up to standard for regular game time, which can be seen by how he has only made one Premier League appearance this season, accumulating a total of 203 minutes of football across his 6 appearances in all competitions.
Jesse Lingard – Leave
Lingard is a tough one, but he should probably leave for his own career as much as for United’s sake. Lingard has been an important player for United in the past, but the real defining moment of his career was the return this summer from his short West Ham spell. Lingard lit up the London stadium with some stellar performances and it was hoped that he would come back and be a real option in attack for United. That being said… opportunities have been limited. When Bruno Fernandes plays every week, it leaves little room for Lingard in attack. Ever since it was basically confirmed that he would not be signing a new contract, he hasn’t even touched the field.
Paul Pogba – Leave
Probably the most frustrating player on this list. An extremely talented leader in the midfield, Pogba just doesn’t do enough for United. Bright spells have been paired with games of becoming anonymous and subbed after 60 minutes. A player that United let leave on a free, they were so confident he would be a success they spent $100 million bringing him back five years ago. 5 years later, there has been no title, and the last trophy was in 2017 (Europa League). Pogba simply hasn’t been consistent enough for United, and it is probably best he is moved on and a better replacement brought in.
Dean Henderson – Leave
Dean Henderson had a great chance at taking the goalkeeper spot last season under Ole. De Gea was in poor form, Henderson was getting his chances, but at the end of the day- he has well and truly lost the battle. Opportunities have been extremely scarce this season seeing as how United have been knocked out of cup competitions early, as well as the fact that De Gea played every Champions League game. Henderson is a good keeper and only 25, he can still have a long, solid career elsewhere- it just won’t be at United.
Marcus Rashford – Stay/Leave
With Rashford, it’s not so straightforward. Having played such an integral role for United ever since bursting onto the scene under Louis Van Gaal, Rashford has been poor for a while now. Last year we could attribute this to a long-lasting shoulder injury, but having recovered from surgery that rectified this issue, his form has not improved. He just looks like he lacks confidence and simply the ability and explosiveness he used to possess. Perhaps he is affected by losing his left-wing position to Jadon Sancho, but this is simply deserved. Rashford has had opportunities on the right flank, but still has done nothing noteworthy. This decision is one that can only be made by the new manager. Should he cut his losses and sell? Or can he transform Rashford back into the player he once was.
Of course there are several others that should leave, there is a big job on the new manager’s hands.