Manchester United are in desperate need of a summer fire sale as they find themselves floundering in seventh place in the Premier League, with a yawning 16-point gap separating them from the top four and a place in next season’s Champions League. This dismal performance marks the fifth failure to qualify for Europe’s premier club competition since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, and with the Red Devils crashing out of this year’s group stage, finishing bottom of their group, the need for a major overhaul is more pressing than ever.
If United lose any of their remaining six league games, they will smash the record for most defeats in a season, adding to a campaign where unforgiving nadirs have been regularly pushed deeper. With the Glazers perspiring over crippling debt and Antony’s goal-scoring allergy worsening, it remains to be seen whether the Dutch head coach Erik ten Hag will continue to hold the board’s vote of confidence.
But while a hierarchical shake-up has already commenced, with the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS, more needs to be done about the bad – and immeasurably costly – eggs that remain in the playing squad. Whether it be Ten Hag who oversees the operation or his era comes to a whimpering finish, the club will no doubt shift players this summer to make room for an ongoing rebuild from top to bottom.
With this in mind, GIVEMESPORT has identified five players who could be on the chopping block to help refuel the transfer budget.
1.
Facundo Pellistri:
Despite a gainful loan spell at Getafe, Pellistri has failed to make a significant impact at United. This summer presents an opportunity to cash in for a profit, especially considering he came through the Carrington academy for no transfer fee.2.
Mason Greenwood:
After his infamous public fallout with Ten Hag last August, Greenwood was sent on loan to Borussia Dortmund. While Dortmund admires his abilities, the club’s sporting director recently indicated that a permanent move is unlikely. United could either hope for Greenwood to return with renewed optimism or sell him to fund other transfers.3.
Jadon Sancho:
Sancho is another expensive Ten Hag signing who has endured a fractured working relationship with the manager. The club’s chiefs have admitted to overpaying for the Brazilian winger when they spent £85m two summers ago. With only one assist and zero goals in the Premier League this term, Antony’s days at Old Trafford appear numbered.4.
Casemiro:
Casemiro excelled in his first campaign at Old Trafford, inspiring United to their first trophy in six years with the Carabao Cup. However, this term has seen a significant decline in his form. An unnamed Saudi Pro League team reportedly made an offer last summer, and it remains to be seen if a deal can be completed 12 months on.5.
