When I saw the report about Manchester United being open to selling five players in the January transfer window, I quickly discovered that any fan could guess who the journalist (Samuel Luckhurst) was referring to.
It’s been a terrible season on the pitch for United and that makes it easy to point out who has been underperforming, but there are players who we know aren’t of the required standard to play for this club.
Furthermore, we have a few that need to be moved on. They were good enough but they’ve either aged or have had a flurry of injuries, which is counter-productive for any manager trying to build a squad and implement his own playing style.
According to the Manchester Evening News, United are opening to selling the following players in January: Raphael Varane, Casemiro, Anthony Martial, Jadon Sancho and Donny van de Beek.
It comes as no surprise that United will be looking for new clubs for these players. Varane is unable to get a run of games under his belt, Casemiro has his fitness issues and the rest are finished as far as their United careers are concerned.
This also comes after The Athletic claimed Martial would not be given a contract extension when his current deal expires at the end of the season.
The report cites Financial Fair Play rules as being a factor for United becoming more proactive sellers in the market, though the club stresses no player will be forced out and Ten Hag will not sanction sales that would weaken the squad knowing it will be a rebuilding job on the pitch in the New Year.
Luckhurst reports: “United do not expect a mass exodus next month but have decided to alert clubs to certain players’ availability well in advance of the summer transfer window.”
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