4 players Manchester United could sell in January transfer window

Manchester United v AFC Bournemouth - Premier League
Manchester United v AFC Bournemouth - Premier League

Interim manager Ole Gunnar Solksjaer has completed a remarkable turnaround at Manchester United following the sacking of Jose Mourinho. While it is still early days, the difference is there for all to see.

The smiles are back and so are the goals, the football is exciting. That being said, the results are paper over the cracks and the squad is in need of improvement to seriously compete. The squad lacks sufficient depth and some of the reserves are not good enough. it is time for the club to clear out the dead wood and get new recruitment.

With the January window open, here are some players that United may consider selling.


#4 Marcos Rojo

Rojo hasn't played as well in a red shirt
Rojo hasn't played as well in a red shirt

A favourite under Jose Mourinho owing to his passion and aggressive play, Rojo has spent more time at Carrington's medical room than on a football pitch. It was thus a major surprise when Rojo signed a new contract earlier in March last year.

The versatile Argentine was signed for £16m from Sporting Lisbon in 2014. However, Rojo has featured just 70 times in the league since then, and only twice this season. Poor tackles and aimless long balls have been synonymous with the 28-year-old.

Victor Lindelof and Phil Jones have been the preferred CBs under Solksjaer with Eric Bailly and Chris Smalling as cover. Reports have suggested that the Red Devils could launch a world record bid for Napoli's Kalidou Kouliably and this could mean the end of Rojo at Old Trafford.

#3 Alexis Sanchez

Alexis has only scored once this season
Alexis has only scored once this season

Much hype and excitement surrounded Alexis on the piano following his unveiling as a United player last January. He had turned down an offer from rivals City and was set to form a deadly partnership with new teammate Romelu Lukaku.

Sadly, that has remained his best performance, with the Chilean drawing blanks. He has just mustered the four goals and has looked out of ideas since his transfer. The 30-year-old is the highest earner in the squad, yet he is unlikely to get ahead of Rashford, Lingard or Martial.

PSG were interested in acquiring the services of the forward before Mourinho's sacking. It is possible that the club will consider cutting their costs to let go of him.

#2 Scott McTominay

McTominay needs more game time
McTominay needs more game time

Another of Jose's trusted lieutenants, Scott McTominay has even been referred to Paul Pogba. McTominay has been entrusted to play in key games, both in midfield and in defence. The Scottish international, however, has generally looked out of depth. McTominay's best performance in a United shirt was man marking Eden Hazard.

Solksjaer has preferred the more fluid trio of Fred, Ander Herrera or Andreas Periera in his intensity play. McTominay who is suited to a more direct, physical style has barely featured.

A short-term loan will give the 22-year-old some much-needed game time, although a permanent move is also possible.

#1 Matteo Darmian

Another fringe player at the club, Darmian was signed from Torino. Yet, the versatile Italian has fallen down the pecking order and is the fourth choice right-back behind Diogo Dalot, Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia. Darmian has long been linked with a move back to Italy.

Darmian has been linked with the Serie A
Darmian has been linked with the Serie A

Darmian was linked to Napoli last summer but injuries to key players prolonged the Italian's stay. A bid of around £15m from a Serie A team will convince United to part with the Italian.

Quick Links

Edited by Vignesh Ananthasubramanian