The winds of change are blowing at Old Trafford. Manchester United revealed their retained list for the 2023/24 season and there are some big observations to note from it.
Erik ten Hag steered United through a tough first season which gave hope for the future.
However, it is clear (eh?) that this United team needs further restructuring and strengthening if the glory days are to return.
Looking through that lens, here are the five biggest observations from United’s retained list for the 2023/24 season:
The David de Gea bombshell
Contract talks with David de Gea have been going on for a while now. Amid countless non-update “updates”, the status remains the same, i.e., the Spaniard is “in discussions with the club” over a new contract.
However, his contract still not being sorted as United released their retained list is a big thing. It is because Erik ten Hag, who had previously been unequivocal in his backing of De Gea, was committal after the FA Cup final. Furthermore, the links to potential new goalkeepers have suddenly gained strength.
All is definitely not sorted between the club and its long-serving keeper. A contract extension, which, at one stage looked like a mere formality, has turned into an area of uncertainty. The clock is ticking and just 14 days remain before David de Gea is officially a free agent. End of an era coming?
The Mason Greenwood conundrum
Mason Greenwood is on the list of players retained by Manchester United. That is not a surprise, considering his contract, which runs till 2025, has not been terminated.
However, the release of the list has once again shone the spotlight on his name, something United could do without. The club’s internal investigation is ongoing after the court dropped charges against Greenwood.
A decision, either way, is going to divide the fans and any speculation of what should happen with him will rise to the surface every time his name is mentioned.
The Mason Greenwood conundrum looms like a spectre on the club trending in the right direction. His name on the list has brought back the debate on his future.
Goodbye to Phil Jones
The retained list confirms what has been known for months. Phil Jones will be leaving Manchester United after more than a decade of serving the club.
A defender who was hailed as the leader of England’s next generation when he was signed by Sir Alex Ferguson, his playing career at United will sadly be remembered more for his injury troubles.
Still, his commitment to the team was never in doubt and whenever he did play, he gave his all for the badge. It can be argued that his time at United should have ended a long time ago, considering he hasn’t made a single appearance in multiple seasons since signing that ill-advised contract extension in 2019.
However, he should still be remembered as a faithful servant who fought for the badge, but his body failed him.
New horizons for Axel Tuanzebe
It wasn’t supposed to end like this for Axel Tuanzebe. Long pegged as the future of Manchester United’s defence and a future captain, Tuanzebe’s career has also spluttered due to injuries.
As a United kid through and through, he is one of the few individuals who have captained the club at every age level, a remarkable achievement.
It looked like the world was at his feet after the commanding performance against a rampant Kylian Mbappe in 2020/21. Unfortunately, that is as good as it got for Tuanzebe. Football is an unpredictable sport and Tuanzebe is a prime example of what happens when talent meets opportunity but doesn’t meet luck.
Having spent the last season on loan at Stoke City, a career turnaround still shouldn’t be ruled out. A fit Tuanzebe easily has the potential to be a Premier League-level CB.
Importance of Tom Huddlestone
The signing of Tom Huddlestone as a player-coach last season prompted some confusion and rolled eyes. However, his vast professional experience among kids who are just starting out their careers has proved invaluable.
He is expected to stay after discussing fresh terms in what would be a ringing endorsement of his positive influence on impressionable youngsters. United have revamped their academy pathway and recruitment and astute signings like that of Huddlestone have made a huge impact.
It can be expected that United go for more senior pros in a hybrid coaching-playing role to mentor their next generation on the pitch, in real-time playing conditions after a good experience with Tom Huddlestone.
Club still “investigating” the Mason Greenwood incident after all this time? What are they doing – interviewing everyone in Manchester?