The Reds start the new 2020-21 season next week in the Premier League against Crystal Palace, but tomorrow (Saturday) they have an arranged warm-up match versus Aston Villa.
Two players who are not expected to travel are Chris Smalling and Marcos Rojo as they’ve been isolated away from the rest of the squad by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
‘Smalling and Rojo are training in a separate bubble from the first-team squad at United’s Carrington training complex,’ as per the Manchester Evening News.
The report states, ‘The pair arrived at Carrington before 8am on Friday morning and both left before the rest of the first-team players turned up.’
Smalling has been closely linked with a permanent switch to AS Roma after impressing on a season-long loan last term. The Telegraph claim Smalling ‘is out of Manchester United’s pre-season training while the player and his representatives negotiate the terms of his departure.’
‘Smalling has not been at Carrington for the sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday and is hopeful of a smooth resolution to talks on his departure from the club he arrived at from Fulham ten years ago.’
Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport is reporting that a deal is close.
‘The Roma market is starting to give out signals.
‘Smalling … could receive the green light from Manchester United by this weekend.
‘The agreement with the player has already been found, the one with the English club must be perfected.’
Fellow defender Rojo is also thought to be on the transfer list. Tuttomercatoweb note there’s interest from Lazio but the sooner we can get him out the door the better.
Rojo doesn’t belong to the level United want to be at and he’s had his chance. The Argentine is far too reckless and can’t be trusted — and I bet those are some of the reasons Solskjaer had for sending him out on loan for the second half of last season.
United have struggled to sell players and that could be the reason why we haven’t signed more players this summer. Van de Beek was a great coup but more quality needs to be added to the squad.
A right winger who will add more goals and a centre-back to partner Harry Maguire. Surely I’m not asking for too much?!
Read more: Former United boss Van Gaal gives verdict on possible Memphis Depay transfer to Barcelona
