Manchester United may have only made one senior signing thus far in the form of Netherlands international Memphis Depay but it’s expected to be yet another busy summer window at Old Trafford following their £150m spend twelve months ago.
And although the inward front is often the more glamorous topic of transfer discussion, room always has to be made for new recruits – especially when they’re arriving for record-breaking fees.
With that in mind, perhaps it’s time the Red Devils considered who they should put up for sale this summer to make way for their expectantly lucrative signings.
Being the ever-helpful bunch we are at Football FanCast, we’ve listed FIVE suggestions of first-teamers who might well be worth more to the Red Devils in the transfer market than on the pitch.
Should the Old Trafford outfit cash-in on some of these FIVE this summer? Comment below to share your opinions!
JONNY EVANS
Although a dependable and experienced member of the squad, Jonny Evans has never really possessed the quality to be a long-term fixture in Manchester United’s starting XI.
The northern Ireland international managed just 14 league appearances under Louis van Gaal last season and with the Dutch gaffer now honing in on a number of potential upgrades – namely, the likes of Nicolas Otamendi and Sergio Ramos – he seems unlikely to claim a starring role any time soon.
Furthermore, the 27 year-old’s contract expires at the end of next season, so we’re now at a point where United either have to offer extended terms or flog to the highest bidder. Evans’ performances over the last two campaigns certainly haven’t warranted a new deal.
MAROUANE FELLAINI
Marouane Fellaini certainly silenced his doubters last season and by the end of the campaign was arguably the biggest attacking threat in Manchester United’s starting line-up, with Louis van Gaal even dubbing him ‘undroppable’ at one stage.
But long-term, one has to question where the Belgian battering ram fits into United’s squad. He’ll always lack the technical skill required for Louis van Gaal’s possession-based philosophy and probably isn’t a central midfielder you’d describe as having title-winning quality.
And with the Red Devils widely expected to upgrade their engine room this summer through the signings of Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin, the 27 year-old might soon find his role reduced to primarily bench duty.
No doubt, the 6ft. 5″ midfielder is a formidable substitute option, but the Red Devils are far more likely to recoup their original £27.5million investment following a proactive season of fine form, rather than after a campaign in which Fellaini has severely slumped down the pecking order.
Admittedly, however, there doesn’t appear to be too much of a market for the former Everton star at this moment in time.
RAFAEL
Manchester United are reportedly ‘open to offers’ in regards to Rafael and now certainly seems like the right time to sell, with just a year remaining on the right-back’s contract.
The Brazil international certainly had his moments in a United jersey – particularly, his stunning volley against QPR a few years ago – but he’s never really progressed much further than the form demonstrated during his first few seasons at Old Trafford.
Furthermore, some of his performances from the last two campaigns were absolutely woeful, whilst his bizarre lust for red cards is another disturbing trait that’s trickled into the 24 year-old’s game.
On the verge of signing an upgrade in Matteo Darmian, Rafael’s United spell has surely run its course.
ADNAN JANUZAJ
Last season was an incredibly disappointing one for prodigious winger Adnan Januzaj, failing to record a goal or an assist in 850 minutes worth of Premier League football.
No doubt, the 20 year-old is still highly rated at Old Trafford and throughout Europe, already boasting five caps for the Belgium national team and exploding onto the scene during the 2013/14 campaign with a mesmerising brace against Sunderland.
Yet, his heralded future as a world great seems by no means as secure as it once was. Many expected the arrival of Louis van Gaal – a manager famed for his ability to nurture young talent – to propel Januzaj to new heights, so last term’s form is rather troubling.
Therefore, Man United might be better off passing on the risk to somebody else, provided they’re paid handsomely in the process. With all the hype surrounding the youngster, they could probably claim around £15million, which may prove to be a very wise piece of business a few years down the line.
PSG are known long-term admirers of the 5 foot 11 attacker.
ANGEL DI MARIA
A controversial suggestion to end things with but that’s how we roll here at Football Fancast.
Angel Di Maria claimed three goals and ten assists in 27 Premier League appearances last season despite being dragged across every midfield and attacking position by Louis van Gaal, so the recent criticism he’s got is probably a little undeserved.
That being said, barring his first few months at Old Trafford, the Argentina international has rarely resembled a £59.7million player or for that matter, proved himself particularly worthy of the title of the most expensive signing in Premier League history.
It’s a sale that could leave the, blue in the face if the 27 year-old goes on to replicate his prior form at Real Madrid for another top European club. But if a potential suitor were to offer United somewhere near their original investment, it might be worth cutting their losses before Di Maria’s value takes a huge nosedive.
He’s been linked with Arsenal and Bayern Munich but reports this morning claim Di Maria has already agreed a deal to join PSG.