Which Manchester United players should be sold this summer? YOUR COMMENTS as Red Devils ‘prepare for first team fire sale… with just THREE stars named as off limits’
Manchester United are readying for a big summer in the transfer market with a number of players facing uncertain futures amid their turbulent season.
The Red Devils saw their campaign suffer another dip on the weekend as they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to relegation candidates Burnley. Winger Antony thinking he had netted the winner on 79 minutes at Old Trafford before Zeki Amdouni scored a late penalty in the dying embers of the game.
The result heaps the pressure on manager Erik ten Hag and regardless of whether he survives another season or not, it is likely the club’s new football chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe, together with incoming CEO Omar Berrada – will be planning a large overhaul of the squad after a poor campaign.
United are currently sixth in the Premier League table on 54 points, six behind fifth placed Spurs and 13 behind fourth placed Aston Villa.
The Telegraph reported on Monday that the entire United squad is set to be put up for sale – with the exception of three players who are off limits, with Mail Sport reporting that Marcus Rashford is a possible player who could be allowed to depart.
Manchester United are reportedly set for a fire sale this summer with just three stars safe
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is preparing a huge overhaul of the squad after a dismal season from his side
And according to your comments, Rashford would be a popular choice to cash in on after his underwhelming campaign under Ten Hag. The England international has seven goals in the Premier League but his anonymous displays in recent games against Chelsea, Liverpool, Bournemouth and Coventry haved enraged fans.
One supporter wrote that Rashford ‘should be one of the first players out of the door’, adding: ‘The more I see of his miserable approach to the game, the more I firmly believe he is one of the biggest behind the scenes problems we keep hearing about.
‘Combine that with his atrocious performances and there is absolutely not reason to keep him at the club. Get rid of him please. It’s long overdue.’
Another agreed over Rashford, saying: ‘It’s clear Rashford has to go and no longer wants to be there. Any player not willing to play for the manager is toxic and requires removal.’
One said United would be ‘lucky’ if the club got £50million for Rashford this summer and said he was ‘not close’ to the £75m valuation put on him by the club.
Your comments have shown Marcus Rashford is one of the most popular names of players who should depart
Veteran midfielder Casemiro was another player highlighted by fans as a possible outgoing this summer after his lacklustre displays this season.
The former Real Madrid star has been a shadow of the player he was last year after his £70m move to Old Trafford and was described as ‘too slow for the Premier League’.
‘United need to stop buying big names who are at the end of their career and are on inflated salaries,’ the supporter said. ‘They’ve been doing it every year since Fergie left. These players, ie Casemiro are too slow for the Premier League.’
Other fans began suggesting who they would pick as players who should stay at the club this summer – with star man and captain Bruno Fernandes an obvious selection – as Antony’s name emerged as a name who could go.
‘I’d add Fernandes, Dalot and Martinez to the keep list,’ said one fan. ‘The rest, especially Rashford and Antony, I’d give away.’
Fans unsurprisingly wanted to keep captain and star player Bruno Fernandes at the club
Another named Luke Shaw and Scott McTominay as two players he wanted to keep, while one mentioned Diogo Dalot and Amad Diallo.
‘I would add Fernandes, Dalot and probably Amad to the list to keep. Rashford should be first out of the door.’
Despite frustration from fans over Rashford, Mail Sport understands that United continue to believe in the forward and want him to succeed after investing so heavily in him with a bumper new contract.
However, there is also a recognition that his alarming drop in form on the pitch must change.
Manager Ten Hag insisted Rashford required backing from the stands but also admitted the player must look at himself as to why his form has dropped.
‘I have a lot of sympathy for Rashy, of course,’ Ten Hag said.
The futures of a host of players and embattled manager Erik ten Hag remain uncertain
‘Last year he had a brilliant season, the best season of his career scoring 30 goals so you see what he is capable of.
‘This season he didn’t give the performances and people are very critical. I think we have to back him.
‘Everyone should back him and push him to get back to the levels he was last year.’
And while United are not thought to be actively working to axe players, they must first raise money through sales in order to bolster their limited transfer budget.
The club are believed to be keen to sign a new striker, central midfielder and right-sided centre back but may be unable to splash big fees like in recent years.
Should United miss out on European football altogether next season, they would have to adopt a drastic sell to buy policy. Their ability to spend ahead of next season has been hamstrung by their £555million spend over the previous three summers.
