5 players Manchester United should sell in 2022

Manchester United have been struggling ever since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson. Current manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has somewhat succeeded in getting the dressing room under his grasp.

That being said, Manchester United have a lot to improve upon before being seriously considered a strong Premier League title contender. The Red Devils have struggled to perform well on a consistent basis and that has to change.

Manchester United should clear deadwood next year

Out of the many reasons why Manchester United are struggling, one of them is some players not stepping up. Given the hectic schedule and the different competitions to participate in, it is only natural that Solskjaer will rely on his entire squad.

However, some of these players haven't been able to capitalize on the opportunities given. Others are just as unlucky to be seen on the bench more often than not. Considering all these factors, let's take a look at some of the players Manchester United should consider selling in 2022:

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#5 Juan Mata

Derby County v Manchester United - Pre-Season Friendly

The Spanish midfielder has been a remarkable player in the Premier League over the years. Juan Mata has made some special memories in the league playing for both Chelsea and Manchester United.

His time with the Red Devils has been an impressive one but in the past few years, his playing time has drastically reduced. It has more to do with the quality of the players added rather than Mata's aging factor. All said and done, the former Valencia midfielder is considered more of a mentor now.

The 33-year old is nearing the end of his career but with wages of £160,000 per week, it is financially difficult to keep him. It is best for both Manchester United and Juan Mata that the player is sold, especially if he wishes to continue his playing career elsewhere.

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#4 Donny van de Beek

Manchester United v İstanbul Basaksehir: Group H - UEFA Champions League

Donny van de Beek's case is a complicated one. The Dutchman was signed by Manchester United from Ajax last season. Given the physical nature of the Premier League and the time needed to adapt, he was used less frequently by Ole Gunnar Solsjkaer.

But given that more than a season has passed, the fact that Van de Beek has managed to get less than 600 minutes of Premier League football is alarming. Considering his technical and creative abilities, it is unjust what's happening with the midfielder. Solskjaer confirmed earlier this season that the 24-year-old will be given his chances this term.

Despite that, there hasn't been a significant amount of game-time given to Van de Beek. It is only natural that the former Ajax midfielder is upset with this and is rumored to be looking for a move in January. Given the situation, Manchester United should be looking to sell him in January or next summer to get a decent price.

#3 Dean Henderson

Southampton v Manchester United - Premier League

Manchester United have signed their former goalkeeper Tom Heaton this summer. The move came as a surprise as United already have three goalkeepers in the squad in the form of David De Gea, Dean Henderson and Lee Grant.

This meant either one of the three goalkeepers was departing but such an event did not take place. De Gea and Henderson are two of the finest goalkeepers in the league. The latter proved his worth whilst playing on loan with Sheffield United.

Henderson is young and is growing into a fine goalkeeper. That being said, he faces very tough competition against De Gea. The Spaniard seems to be back to his best this season, making it difficult for the English goalkeeper to get into the first team.

It might not look like an easy decision to sell Henderson, but it should be seriously considered. Manchester United already have their backup goalkeeper and it makes more sense to let the Englishman play for another club and grow. One smart way of selling the 24-year old is by having a buy-back clause in the transfer deal.

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#2 Fred

Manchester United v Manchester City - Premier League

The Brazilian midfielder has been in the news for Manchester United, but for no good reason. He has been the center of plenty of criticism from United fans, especially this season.

The Red Devils failed to sign a defensive midfield this summer and therefore have to stick to the partnership of Scott McTominay and Fred in midfield. While the Scotsman has done decently well, Fred has struggled with his passing and inconsistency.

In Manchester United's last Premier League match against Everton, Fred allowed Demarai Gray to get away easily which eventually resulted in a goal for the Toffees. Courtesy of that goal, the match ended in a draw which saw the 20-time Premier League Champions drop two important points.

With Fred not performing at the highest level, not many are in favor of him continuing as a Manchester United player. The Premier League giants will definitely be looking to sign a defensive midfielder next year and simultaneously they should plan to sell Fred.

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#1 Anthony Martial

Manchester United v Sheffield United - Premier League

Some of the most disappointing individual performances in recent times for Manchester United have come from Anthony Martial. The Frenchman was signed by the Red Devils from AS Monaco in 2015.

He was expected to achieve big things with Manchester United but unfortunately, that hasn't happened. Martial has shown a glimpse of what he's capable of at distant intervals but has struggled to perform on a consistent basis. When on song, he is one of the most difficult players to contain but sadly such moments have been very limited.

With Manchester United aspiring to strongly challenge for the title, such performances cannot help their cause. More so, the attitude and casual approach by Martial on the pitch isn't something the clubs expect from their players. If the French forward fails to turn around his form this season, he should be sold next year without the shadow of a doubt.