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.
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.
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.
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.
144
Roar Guru
Priority signing for right back probably not the case, Goalkeeper definitely, possibly Lloris or Cilleseen or the other three hundred goalkeepers they are rumoured to be purchasing. Rafael has been disappointing this season, maybe playing Rojo at right back, he has before and didn't make too many errors
144
Roar Guru
Robin Van Persie has had rumours arise form the netherlands and apparently Anderlaecht. I think he will have one more season at Old Trafford before, and i'm not surprised, Van Gaal will let him go. Nani can no longer produce anything for United, his time is up, he hasn't been involved in loan spells as well Adnan Januzaj has had a rumour from Everton, lovely to see everton poaching from United, EG Darren Gibson. But Januzaj is a promising young player and needs first team football. I personally think they can do better without Antonio Valencia, Van Gaal has him stationed in the right back spot often and he has come out saying he prefers not to play there. I think Van Gaal should refer to a 4-4-2 diamond GK - WHOVER THEY BUY LB - Daley Blind or Luke Shaw CB's - Jones and Smalling RB - Rojo CDM - Fellaini LM - Depay CAM - Mata RM - Di Maria ( his usual spot at Madrid) ST - Rooney ) DONT EVER PLAY NO.6 EVER AGAIN VAN GAAL PLEASE)
harrison Langsford
Roar Rookie
hahaha thankyou for your impartiality. I agree that a right back is the priority along with a striker now that Falcao has left, just don't think Utd should sell Valencia.
harrison Langsford
Roar Rookie
Do you mean sell him with a buy back clause, or let him go completely?
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
Not really in the business of dispensing good advice to Man Utd as a Liverpool fan, but there is a lot of merit in your above suggestions. If I was a United fan, I would also question whether United are gaining anything by playing Valencia as a makeshift right back, and whether a new right back is a priority signing. With a Champions League campaign coming up, United (if I was to be painfully impartial) must not make the same mistake as Liverpool, and lose sight of the Premier League campaign. A season of success for United is the same as what I defined for Liverpool last season - finish top four, enter the knockout stages of the Champions League, and win a cup. Liverpool failed on all three counts last season. If United were to only succeed on the first, then it will have been a good season at Old Trafford. Reinforcing your Champions League credentials is so important for clubs who are fighting for that fourth spot, which Liverpool and Spurs are ready to pounce for.
AZ_RBB
Guest
Usually love to disagree with these things. But I think you're pretty much on the money with this. The only slight issue is with Januzaj. I often feel a little uncomfortable with mega clubs shipping players around on loans recklessly (looking at you, Chelsea). It is rare that it works out for the player involved. I would rather we sell Januzaj to a decent sized club where he can reach his potential. A club like Southampton could do well with him.