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Michael Carrick has already announced he’ll be retiring at the end of the season, but there are other Manchester United midfielders who could follow him through the exit door this summer.
It could leave manager Jose Mourinho with the unviable job of replacing them with less time than in previous seasons due to the transfer window closing before the start of the league campaign.
Let's look at the players who could need replacing in the summer.
#3 Ander Herrera
Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera is out of contract in 18 months and unlikely to get an extension given the lack of playing time this season. The Spaniard has been linked with a move to AC Milan and could be on his way out for around £30 million if reports are to be believed
The 28-year-old, who’s made 151 appearances in all competitions since his 2014 move from Athletic Bilbao, has fallen down the pecking order this season and is struggling for playing time.
Herrera has made just eight Premier League starts this season, featuring more heavily in the Champions League, FA Cup, and EFL Cup. A fallout between player and manager in October could be to blame for the lack of playing time, with Herrera being criticised by Jose Mourinho in a post-match interview.
Mourinho has preferred Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic over the Spanish international. Given his contract is up in under 18 months, United might consider cashing in on Herrera this summer should Milan’s interest become official.
#2 Marouane Fellaini
If rumours are to be believed, Belgian international Marouane Fellaini could be on his way to Besiktas on a free transfer if he doesn’t resolve his Manchester United future.
The 30-year-old, who joined the Red Devils from Everton in 2013, is out of contract in the summer and has yet to agree terms on an extension.
United had reportedly offered the midfielder a new deal but the same was rejected by the big Belgian. The deal offered by the Red Devils could have been short-term or for less money given his and squad status as a player, but Fellaini might be holding out for more.
With the Belgian making just three Premier League starts this season, being behind Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, and Ander Herrera in the pecking order, he may seek a move away from Old Trafford for more playing time.
Besiktas seem most keen to procure his signature, so Fellaini could well be plying his trade in Turkey next season. And as a free transfer, all the Super Lig club would have to worry about is his wages.
#1 Paul Pogba
French international Paul Pogba is the latest Manchester United player with an uncertain future. The 24-year-old joined the Red Devils from Juventus in 2016 and has been a regular in the midfielder ever since.
However, his form has dipped of late and manager Jose Mourinho has risked angering the midfielder by cutting down his playing time. Pogba was substituted in two of his last three league appearances and came off the bench in the other.
L’Equipe allege he’s unhappy at United and regretting returning to his former club 18 months ago, which could pave a move to Real Madrid. Spanish football expert Guillem Balague had reported back in 2016 that the midfielder wanted to join Los Blancos over United, so there’s every possibility the two clubs work out a deal if Pogba makes it clear he wants to leave Old Trafford.
