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Manchester United have once again proven to be unpredictable in regards to their performance. The recent 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford sums up the current state of affairs at the club. The derby woes are still present in the side and echoes pretty much what every United fan is thinking.
Most of the current crop of players are not performing good enough to wear the historic jersey. Jose Mourinho has simply run out of excuses to give and should just admit that he cannot dig the club out of its current slump. If the United board cannot fire Mourinho on basis of principle and the huge payout, then they should release funds to buy players in January.
This is something that Mourinho wanted in the last transfer window as he felt his team would be doomed without reinforcements. To balance the scales, United needs to offload some of the players at the earliest opportunity because they do not add value and have had reduced game time.
#3 Matteo Darmian
The Italian international has suffered enough on the sidelines. He was a constant figure in the pre-season but has hardly been put to work this season. Darmian only started two Premier League this campaign and that is because Luke Shaw was suspended against Palace.
Italian defending champions Juventus have previously expressed interest in him and he would probably would better off at another club. Ashley Young, Antonio Valencia and Diogo Dalot are all ahead of him in the pecking order.
Darmian is a hard worker and a team player. There is little to complain about his defensive abilities. He has that typical Italian flair for stopping players in their tracks. He should simply be sold instead of wasting away due to limited playing time.
#2 Alexis Sanchez
The Chilean international has flopped at Manchester United and Mourinho refuses to believe this. After all, it was he who orchestrated his swap deal with Arsenal at the start of the year. To be fair, the #7 jersey has not been kind to those who have worn it since Cristiano Ronaldo left.
However, Sanchez has not done the slightest of justice to that jersey. He is no better than Angel Di Maria and Memphis Depay who all donned the iconic jersey and underachieved. Sanchez has been given all the time to prosper but it just not working out for him. He has scored only one goal for United this season and looks out of form.
For a player who is one of the highest earners in the league, he should have done more by now. Mourinho should eat humble pie and sell him in January. This will free up some cash to get a younger and more potent attacking player.
#1 Phil Jones
He is one of the few players left from the Si. Alex Ferguson era. He was touted by the legendary manager himself to succeed. However, it seems like United might have to cut him loose in the next transfer window. One of the biggest problems United have faced this season is defending.
The central defenders, in particular, have been on the spot. This is one area United will definitely be in the market to improve on. The Red Devils need to sign two quality central defenders in January. Out of their current centre backs, Jones is the most fringe. Be it injuries or underperformance, he epitomizes both.
His career is now in a downward spiral and cannot offer much to what United need going forward. Mourinho should sell him and use the money as part of the kitty to revive the club. As things stand, United desperately need to make signings or there will be more dark days coming.
