Manchester United are expected to be busy in this unprecedented delayed transfer window with incomings and outgoings on the agenda for manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Solskjaer is aiming to refine a squad capable of challenging Liverpool and Manchester City for the title, and in doing so must be ruthless in jettisoning some senior players who are simply not good enough.
The exit of players deemed surplus to requirements will free up funds for new signings and clear the path for promising academy talents to progress into the first-team.
Here’s five players Ben Parsons thinks United should move on this summer:
Alexis Sanchez
Sanchez is a prime candidate for the award of ‘biggest ever transfer flop’ for United after a dismal eighteen months in Manchester before his loan move to Inter Milan.
Things didn’t get much better for the Chilean in Italy either as he spent most of the early part of the season sidelined through injury.
But he has finally found some form, making 10 goal contributions for Antonio Conte’s side since the restart.
Perhaps a reinvigorated Sanchez can tempt a potential buyer as he would only halt the progress of United’s young attackers if he returned to United.
Phil Jones
Surely this is the summer the forlorn centre-back is finally moved on from Old Trafford.
Jones made just two Premier League appearances for the Reds this term, including his horrendous performance in the 3-3 draw against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane in November.
He didn’t make an appearance after the restart and we’d be surprised if he was given an opportunity in the upcoming Europa League campaign, regardless of the notion Solskjaer may choose peripheral players.
The stumbling block could be finding a buyer who sees potential in the 28-year-old who is on a lucrative contract at United.
Marcos Rojo
The erratic Argentinean flouted lockdown rules more times than he made appearances during his short loan spell at Estudiantes.
Frankly, we’d be very surprised if Rojo returns to Manchester and see a permanent move back to his native country the most likely outcome.
Rojo has spent a total of six years at Old Trafford, but we have known for at least three of those that he could never truly be relied upon.
Andreas Pereira
Some fans are adamant that both Pereira and Lingard should be sold this summer but we can realistically see only one leaving if United don’t sign another creative player of the calibre of Jack Grealish.
Pereira was hastily given a new contract last summer as he was rewarded for a minority of encouraging performances.
And the 24-year-old has not been short of opportunities to prove himself in attacking midfield. Pereira’s inability to create chances in the number 10 position before the turn of the year glaringly highlighted the need for Bruno Fernandes.
He made just four goal contributions in 25 Premier League games this term, and has shown little to stake a claim for a spot in Solskjaer’s long-term plans.
Timothy Fosu-Mensah
Perhaps a harsh call given the fact that Fosu-Mensah hardly embarrassed himself after being brought back in from the cold for his first United start in three years after lockdown.
But Fosu-Mensah failed show any promise in loan spells at Fulham and Crystal Palace and would be used sparingly by Solskjaer if kept next season.
While the Dutchman’s versatility can be useful at times, it is also his downfall as he has not proven to be a specialist in any position.
United are well covered in the full-back areas with Luke Shaw and Brandon Williams enjoying healthy competition at left-back.
And while Diogo Dalot’s days might be numbered, we see more potential in the Portugal youth international as a right-back to compete with the indispensable Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Also, highly promising youngster Ethan Laird deserves his chance to challenge for a place in the first-team squad and his progress could be halted by Fosu-Mensah who is slightly further along in his development.
It may be best for both parties if Fosu-Mensah is permanently moved on this summer.
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