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Manchester United sit at the top of the league table, three points ahead of arch-rivals Liverpool, who are second. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side find themselves involved in a title race, something very few people expected when the season started.
Crucial to their success has been Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes, who has arguably been the best midfielder in the league this season. Fernandes' performances show how important it is to get a signing right, especially during the tricky January transfer window.
There has been no denying that Solskjaer has let go of a lot of players since his arrival; Marouane Fellaini, Antonio Valencia, Ashley Young, Alexis Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku have all moved on.
We look at:
5 players Manchester United should sell this January transfer window.
#5 Daniel James
Daniel James enjoyed a bright start to his Manchester United career, scoring on his competitive debut against Frank Lampard's Chelsea.
The 23-year old joined Manchester United from Championship club Swansea City in 2019 for £16 million, having nearly joined Leeds United a few months ago. The goal against Chelsea, followed by goals against Crystal Palace and Southampton seemed to suggest that Manchester United had signed potential star for the future.
However, it would be fair to say that his development has not gone according to plan. James made 46 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring four goals. Despite constant minutes the Wales international has failed to cement his place in the squad, and the arrival of youngsters Facundo Pellistri and Amad Diallo is not a good sign.
Leeds United have again been linked with the winger, while there have been suggestions that he should go out on loan to get regular minutes again.
#4 Juan Mata
While Juan Mata joined Manchester United during the disastrous David Moyes spell, it would be fair to say that he has been a fine representative of the club.
Mata joined Manchester United from Premier League rivals Chelsea for £40 million in January 2014, making him then the club's record transfer buy. The Spain international has impressed during his spell at the club, with his creativity and technique key to many of Manchester United's successes in recent years.
The 32-year old has made 265 appearances in all competitions and scored 50 goals for Manchester United, but has found game-time limited since the arrival of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
There have been rumours that Turkish clubs are keeping an eye on the situation, while a return to former club Valencia has also been mooted.
#3 Jesse Lingard
Jesse Lingard was a key player under the management of Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho, but has barely featured for Ole Gunnar Solksjaer.
The England international, a product of the Manchester United academy, has always divided opinion. In 210 appearances in all competitions, Lingard has scored 33 goals, but has barely featured for the club this season.
There have been some issues off-the-field for the player if rumours are to be believed, which could be a reason for his lack of appearances. This season, the 28-year old has not featured in the league, making all three of his appearances in cup competitions.
Inter Milan and Roma were linked back in the summer, while clubs like Sheffield United and Newcastle United are said to be interested in a deal to sign him.
Also Read: Liverpool's Fabinho admits Premier League leaders Manchester United are title contenders
#2 Marcos Rojo
One of Louis van Gaal's signings, Marcos Rojo was signed after an impressive 2014 World Cup, where he helped Argentina reach the final.
There was some controversy when the transfer was completed, as Manchester United paid Sporting CP £18 million for his services. While he looked to be a good acquisition initially, Rojo has dropped off massively since then.
Since making his debut in 2014, the 30-year old has made 122 appearances in all competitions for the club, and injuries have played a role in his decline. He was loaned out to Argentine club Estudiantes in 2020, where he made just one appearance before returning.
Rojo's contract expires in the summer, and this will be the last chance Manchester United have to get some of their money back. Newcastle United are said to be interested.
#1 Phil Jones
It is sad to see Phil Jones' Manchester United peter out the way it has, given how highly he was rated when he signed for the club.
Manchester United signed Jones from Blackburn Rovers back in 2011 for £17 million. He looked like an astute signing, and someone who could replace Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic in the long-run. That, sadly, has not been the case.
Jones has made 224 appearances in all competitions for Manchester United so far, but none of those have come this season. An erratic defender, his injury record has not helped his cause.
The England international does not look likely to displace the likes of Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Eric Bailly and Axel Tuanzebe when he returns from his injury. Newcastle United and Derby County have been linked.
