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Manchester United’s current problems appear to run deeper than meets the eye, with the club currently struggling to tie down some of its key players. The Red Devils have had a tough start to the campaign, having won just four out of eight Premier League games this season.
However, as the team continues to struggle on the pitch, the situation is not any different when it comes to issues with player contracts. Manager Jose Mourinho was not backed during the summer transfer window, and it appears that decision could soon haunt the club.
As it stands, as many as 10 of their players are in the final year of their respective contracts. What this means is that the players whose contracts run out in June 2018 could begin negotiating with other clubs when the January transfer window opens.
Worse off, they could also be walking out of the Old Trafford door for free when their contracts expire at the end of the season. Obviously, this leaves the club in a very dangerous situation, especially with the board clearly indicating its unwillingness to loosen its purse.
Here are 10 Manchester United players who could leave for free next year:
#10 Anthony Martial
Manchester United fans could be in for the worst, as talented winger Anthony Martial’s contract issues remain unresolved. The former Monaco forward joined the Red Devils during Louis van Gaal’s tenure as United manager but has found game time hard to come by in recent months.
Under Jose Mourinho, Martial has most often been on the fringes of the team. However, the 22-year-old demonstrated that he could still be a success at Old Trafford with an impeccable performance in United’s 3-2 comeback win over Newcastle United before the international break.
Currently, though, the France international is in the final year of his contract, and if no agreement is reached between player and club, then he could leave for free at the end of the season.
#9 Luke Shaw
Luke Shaw seems to be finally showing his best form at Manchester United, having started the season as the club’s best player so far. However, the England international is also one of the players who has entered into the final year of his contract.
The former Southampton left-back looks to be finally back to his best after recovering from a career-threatening injury two years ago. Having emerged as the club’s player of the month for August and September, there can be no doubting of Shaw’s importance at the club this season.
But as it stands, his contract will come to an end at the end of the season, and that could mean him leaving for free if it is not renewed.
#8 Juan Mata
Another Manchester United player who could be leaving for free at the end of the season is Juan Mata. The Spaniard has been a bit-part player since Jose Mourinho took charge, but was one of the stars who helped save the Portuguese’s job in that all-important Newcastle United game.
The former Chelsea and Valencia attacker was given a one-year extension at the end of last season when the club decided to activate a clause in his contract. However, it is increasingly looking like this will be his last season at Old Trafford, especially if Mourinho stays on as manager.
The Portuguese manager has never been a fan of Mata and, barring any last-minute change of mind, the Spain international should be departing Old Trafford as a free agent next year.
#7 Ander Herrera
Hard working, determined, and tough: these attributes have defined Ander Herrera’s four-year stay at Manchester United. The Spain international joined the Red Devils from Athletic Bilbao in what was expected to be a match made in heaven.
However, things have not gone according to plan, with the central midfielder struggling to break into the starting XI since the signing of Nemanja Matic from Chelsea. Nevertheless, he has always contributed his quota whenever he’s called upon.
Herrera has grown to become an Old Trafford favourite but his time at the club could come to an end when his contract expires at the end of the season.
#6 Andreas Pereira
Another player who could soon be walking out of the Old Trafford exit door is the versatile Andreas Pereira. The 22-year-old is yet to be guaranteed a first team place but seems to have gradually worked his way into Jose Mourinho’s plans this season.
Pereira was a revelation while on loan at Valencia last season, chipping in with goals and assists in La Liga. However, his future looks far from certain with his return to Manchester United. The player himself is determined to stay, but other factors could just force him into leaving.
And, with his contract set to expire next year, the 22-year-old may just be one of many players to leave Man United on a free transfer if he cannot be guaranteed enough playing time.
#5 Ashley Young
Ashley Young has so far proven to be a supportive lieutenant of Jose Mourinho since the Portuguese joined as manager. The Englishman has played as a utility player, starring at left-back, right-back, left wing-back and right wing-back, among other positions.
At 33, it is difficult to see why Manchester United would want to offer Young a fresh deal to keep him at the club when his current contract ends next year. However, having proven to be a Mourinho kind of player, he may likely be handed a one-year extension.
But if that does not happen, then the former Aston Villa man would definitely be leaving at the end of the season.
#4 David De Gea
Perhaps the most consistent Manchester United player in the last five years, David de Gea’s departure will definitely be a big blow for the club. However, the goalkeeper’s representatives are yet to reach an agreement with the Red Devils hierarchy on a new deal.
Fortunately for the club, Real Madrid, who tried to sign De Gea three years ago have gone on to sign Thibaut Courtois, ending any pursuit of the Spanish goalie. That provides United with ample time to reach an agreement with De Gea on a contract extension.
The 27-year-old is obviously not in a rush to leave Old Trafford, but if his demands cannot be met, then he could also leave on a free transfer.
#3 Antonio Valencia
Shockingly, Manchester United captain Antonio Valencia is also among the list of players who are in the final months of their contracts. The Ecuadorian has been converted into a right-back and currently enjoys a monopoly in that position under Jose Mourinho.
However, the 33-year-old is no longer the pacey player that he used to be and it is increasingly looking like his time at Old Trafford could come to an end soon. Valencia has been a regular under Mourinho, but it is believed that the club will be bringing in a new right-back next season.
This will mean that Valencia would have to make way and that could, in turn, mean that his contract will not be renewed when it expires next year.
#2 Chris Smalling
Not many Manchester United fans would like to admit this, but the fact is that Chris Smalling has been the club’s most consistent defender in recent years. The England international was expected to be relegated to the bench at the start of this season due to his knack for errors.
However, the severe dip in form of Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof means Smalling has kept his place in the United first team. With his contract set to expire at the end of the season, it remains to be seen if the centre-back will be handed fresh terms.
But if the club decides otherwise, then Smalling will be departing Old Trafford at the end of the season as a free agent.
#1 Phil Jones
From one centre-back to the other, Phil Jones is one of 10 Manchester United players whose contracts are set to expire next year. The former Blackburn Rovers defender has been blighted by niggling injuries in recent times and seems to be out of favour at the moment.
If any of the defenders will be sacrificed, it is likely to be Jones, rather than teammate Chris Smalling. Bringing in a centre-back will be a priority of the club next summer and it is not difficult to see why Jones’ contract extension is in the balance.
The England international has struggled for game time this season. That, coupled with his unimpressive performances, do not make a good case for his contract to be extended before it expires.
