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Manchester United's reluctance to bring in enough players during the summer transfer window has turned out to be costly for them this season. The Red Devils find themselves short of options in various positions on the pitch, and injuries to key players have further depleted their squad. With games coming thick and fast from now until the end of the season, beefing up the squad should be the priority for Ole Gunnar Solskjær this month. However, they are well aware that conducting transfer business this month is a difficult task and they might be forced to go into the business end of the season with no new signings.
Given the lack of depth of the squad and the uncertainty surrounding any incoming transfers, the Red Devils cannot afford to lose anybody this month. However, there are players who remain keen on moving elsewhere this month and the club might be forced to let them go. Here, we pick three such players who could leave Old Trafford this month.
#3 Angel Gomes
Angel Gomes is regarded as one of the most sought-after youngsters to come through the ranks at Manchester United in recent years. The Englishman made his senior debut at the age of 16 and became the youngest player to represent Manchester United since Duncan Edwards. The youngster, who mainly operates as number 10, is capable of playing across various positions across the front four. Renowned for his creativity, dribbling and composure on the ball - Gomes was expected to become a first-team regular under Solskjær this season. However, the youngster has been restricted to just 5 appearances this season, and given United's lack of creativity, it remains a mystery why the youngster hasn't been used on more occasions.
Gomes' contract expires in the summer and as of now, there seems to be no signs that the player will pen a new deal at Old Trafford. While Manchester United will be keen to keep the highly-rated youngster at the club, they might find it sensible to cash in on the player in the January transfer window rather than letting him leave for free in the summer. Gomes has drawn interest from La Liga giants Barcelona, who reportedly remain keen on bringing the player to the Camp Nou.
Also read: 3 players who could leave Arsenal in January
#2 Tahith Chong
Tahith Chong is another youngster who finds himself in a similar situation to Angel Gomes at Manchester United. The 20-year-old has just six months left on his current contract and as of now, there are no signs of him signing a new one. Ole Gunnar Solskjær remains keen on holding onto the player as he believes the youngster could develop into a world-class player at Old Trafford. However, the player seems reluctant to pen a new deal at his current club right now and could be on a move elsewhere this month. If reports are to be believed, Juventus seem keen on the youngster and have offered the Dutchman a lucrative deal in order to lure him away from Old Trafford.
At the age of 16, Chong joined Manchester United's academy from Feyenoord. The 20-year-old made his senior debut at the start of last year against Reading in the third round of the FA Cup. With Solskjær at the helm this season, the Dutch winger was expected to feature regularly and cement his position in the first-team. However, dire performances on the pitch coupled with his current contract situation brought him down the pecking order and have restricted him to just 7 appearances so far this season.
#1 Ashley Young
After eight-and-a-half years at Manchester United, Ashley Young looks to be on his way out of the club this January. The full-back -who has just six months left on his current deal at Old Trafford - is drawing huge interests from Italian giants Inter Milan, with Antonio Conte said to be very keen on bringing him to San Siro this month in order to bolster his squad in the fight for the Serie A title. The Red Devils are keen to keep hold of their most experienced player and offered him a one-year contract extension, which was reportedly rejected by the Englishman.
The 34-year-old seems keen on the switch to Inter Milan this month and given his contract situation, the Red Devils could be forced to cash in on the full-back in January rather than losing him for free six months later.
Lauded for his versatility and professionalism, the winger-turned-full back deputized at various positions on the pitch and has been a trusted general under every United manager so far. His leadership and experience will certainly be missed in the Manchester United dressing room when the 34-year-old leaves.
Note: All statistics as of January 10, 2020
Also read: 3 players that should leave the Premier League this season
