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#3 David De Gea
No one could've predicted the sheer upheavals that have occurred in the Manchester United star's career over the past few years. De Gea has gone from being one of the best goalkeepers in the world to being displaced by the keeper of a club that finished at 10th in the Spanish first division. It is safe to say that De Gea has been through everything. He single-handedly kept United afloat on multiple occasions, pulling off some near-impossible saves to literally 'save' the Red Devils. The Spanish number one was the only consistent United player during all the managerial changes.
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However, the only other thing that De Gea is famous for are his high-profile blunders. In retrospect, the 30-year-old Spaniard has never been the same after his mistakes in the World Cup 2018 fixture against Portugal. Dean Henderson's return from loan meant that for the first time in his United career, De Gea had an actual competitor for the number one spot.
And compete they did. Henderson proved to be a step ahead, keeping 13 clean sheets in 26 games, conceding just 22 goals on his way to this remarkable tally. Meanwhile, the United veteran could only manage 12 clean sheets in 36 games, conceding more than double the amount of his counterpart, with 46 goals.
With Henderson just 24-year-old and already eating up his minutes in his prime years, De Gea's time at the top of the pyramid might come to a premature end. The only United goalkeeper to win the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award, and the only one to do it thrice in a row, De Gea only has this pre-season to prove his worth.
#2 Donny van de Beek
Donny van de Beek, at 24 years of age, is still years away from his prime. However, if his first season at United is of any significance, the Dutch midfielder might just not reach his true potential. A highly coveted player, back in his Ajax days, Van de Beek was very close to joining Real Madrid last season, as confirmed by the player himself. As a result, his arrival at the 'Theatre of Dreams' was hugely anticipated. What followed was a total mishap.
A number six by style, Van de Beek has commendable control of the ball and loves to drift into the opposition's box to act as a box-to-box midfielder. Understandably, he was signed up as a cover for the ever-brilliant Bruno Fernandes. But United's dependence on their Portuguese talisman, coupled with Van de Beek's difference in stature, spelled disaster for the newcomer.
As expected, his minutes got shortened and most of his appearances in the famous red shirt, came as a substitute. While Solskjær refused to somehow incorporate the 24-year-old into his system, the former Ajax man could not replicate Fernandes' output in his limited game time.
Van de Beek is still very young and capable of adapting. Whether he will be able to slither his way into the first team or will end up on the chopping board is a question for the future. But a strong pre-season will only help the player's cause.
#1 Anthony Martial
Perhaps the most obvious inclusion on this list, Anthony Martial has had a disappointing 2020/21 season to his standards. The Frenchman could only rack up 14 goal involvements in the 36 appearances he made for the Red Devils. After 4 seasons of mixed bag performances, Martial really burst onto the scene in the 2019/20 season, firing 23 goals and providing a further 12 assists to wrap up his most productive year at United. Many thought that he had finally settled into life in Manchester. But after seeing his previous year's antics, his 2019/20 form can be labeled as a false positive.
Due to a lack of depth and quality in United's wings, Martial was often deployed on the left flank to create chances for either Marcus Rashford or Mason Greenwood. He was able to produce a decent output but it soon became evident that his preferred position was at the center. Nevertheless, a 34-year-old Edinson Cavani was able to dethrone him in his favored spot, moments after his arrival.
With the right flank already sorted with the acquisition of Jadon Sancho and Rashford thriving on the left wing, Martial has to rethink his options. It is quite apparent that Greenwood is considered a long-term fix for United at center. And with Cavani firing on all cylinders, Martial will have to force his way into Solskjær's plans.
