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The Killing Season: Who needs to leave Manchester to ensure success
harrison Langsford
Roar Rookie
24th June, 2015
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An own goal from former Manchester United player Robin van Persie helped seal his country's fate. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)
harrison Langsford
Roar Rookie
24th June, 2015
6
1524 Reads

It has been well documented that Manchester United are willing to unleash the proverbial ‘war chest’ on the transfer market this summer.

However, while it is important that United fill some of the gaping holes in their squad in order to be competitive next season (cough, cough centre back), it is essential that Louis van Gaal cleanses United of players that will cause structure problems within the club.

In order to establish who should leave Old Trafford next season, a game of sell, loan, keep is in order.

Sell

Robin van Persie
It saddens me to put the once prolific goalscorer at the top of my list. The 32-year-old was exposed for pace on several occasions last season, and while he retains that clinical precision that made him Manchester United’s player of the year in 2012-13, he has lost his agility with age and injury.

However, Van Persie is still a wonderfully gifted player, and will have a number of suitors lining up for his signature. With James Wilson developing, it is the right time to let Van Persie leave and enjoy the slower pace of the other European leaves, while receiving a healthy transfer fee.

Furthermore, the Dutchman ranks 12th on Forbes’ World’s Highest Paid Footballers list, with a salary of $16 million a year. Releasing him will free up space for a top-class signing demanding similar wages.

Nani
Nani is clearly a highly skilled player, however his lack of consistency and professionalism has cost his Manchester United career dearly. One of the many errors David Moyes made during his tenure was handing the winger a five-year deal, when it was clear to the United faithful that he had no future role in the first team.

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After a relatively successful loan spell for Sporting Lisbon last season, Nani has increased his stocks dramatically, and will represent an opportunity for United to make something out of the Portuguese international.

He has been linked strongly with a move to Turkey, where his expansive repertoire of skill and technical ability will serve him well. Having said this I don’t think United fans will be sorry to see the back of him.

Jonny Evans
The defender once touted as the next Vidic had an abhorrent season. Plagued with injury, Evans was dismal when he did get his chance, with mistakes frequenting his every performance.

With Van Gaal an almost certainty to bring in another central defender, Evans must lose his spot in the squad permanently. He simply isn’t United quality, and that is sad to see.

Loan

Adnan Januzaj
There should be under no circumstances that Januzaj is able to leave Old Trafford on a permanent basis. The talented winger/attacking midfielder is the future of Manchester United, and the pain of the departure of Paul Pogba is all too fresh in the minds of Manchester United fans.

However, with the signing of Memphis Depay, in addition to the limited game time he had last season, Januzaj needs to gain experience at a Premier League club on loan. We have already seen Tom Cleverley leave to Everton, and Januzaj would be wise to follow on a temporary basis.

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Jesse Lingard
Although not as well established as Januzaj, Lingered contains bundles of talent and pace shown by his recent Under-21 performances. He has been successful at many of his loan spells since joining United, however it is now time for him to test his ability at the next level.

Lingard needs to gain maturity and strength, only attainable from time at the top level. Rumours are circulating that Newcastle are willing to take him on loan, where he can learn the grit and determination Geordie style.

Loans to Championship sides
Sam Johnstone, Will Keane and Nick Powell are promising stars in United’s reserves but need to drop down a level to gain valuable first-team experience in England’s second division.

Keep
Here I will go through players who are rumoured to leave, however may be able to contribute more to the team than many think.

Ashley Young
The fact that many believe Young should leave Old Trafford next season seriously beggars belief. The winger put in more than his fair share of great performances against top teams. I don’t believe Van Gaal would seriously consider letting him go, and with good reason.

Antonio Valencia
Valencia is another who seems to draw unworthy criticism. While he is often stagnant and unimaginative on the wing, Van Gaal has reinvented the Ecuadorian into a more than capable right back. With serious pace to track back, Valencia can be a good second fiddle fullback.

Javier Hernandez
It may be that Hernandez doesn’t want to come back to United. Tired of playing as a substitute, he may want to play first choice for a club begging him to do so. If this is the case, United should not stand in his way, otherwise, there is no doubt in my mind United would be foolish to let him go.

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Hernandez’s performances for United over the years have been nothing short of incredible. His contributions off the bench are second to none, and with Van Persie on his way out no one would be better to play as number two to Wayne Rooney.

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