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We all must have heard the saying - Better late than never. When Sir Alex Ferguson left Manchester United, a number of players were withering. A massive exodus of players was required to build a new squad. Its been six years and still Ed Woodward & company have failed to do what was required.
Finally, after the failure of three big managers (case of David Moyes is debatable), the recent comments of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer indicates that it will be a big summer for the Red Devils. The sub-standard performances of the players should force the managers and board members to make some hard decisions but what? A number of players, both young and experienced should be shown the door to clear up the squad and gather funds to reinvest in the right type of players.
Liverpool's transfer policy should act as a paradigm for Ed Woodward who has made some questionable recruitments in recent years. Liverpool used to have a fragile backline a few summers ago but that has become a distant memory now. The signings of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Andrew Robertson and Virgil Van Dijk has transformed them into a completely different side. The need of the hour is to offload a large chunk of players and bring some new faces into the squad who have the quality and desire to excel at Old Trafford
Here is the list of five players who should be sold or released after two months.
#5 Juan Mata
Maybe technically the best outfield player in the squad. Juan Mata has always been the fan favourite here, getting all the love and affection. Mourinho opted to use him as the right winger, which he is clearly not. One of the central requirement in that position is pace which is Spaniard's major shortcoming.
He has started only 14 Premier League games this season and his average minutes per game is as less as 56 minutes. Overall he has made 29 appearances for United this season, scoring just four goals and assisting barely twice. His contract is up this summer and it looks like he will be going out as a free agent this summer. Reports suggest that he could be making a move to Barcelona. I reckon that move could be the best for both the parties.
Also see : Fantasy Premier League , Fantasy Premier League Tips, EPL Transfer News
#4 Ashley Young
Ashley Young has been the biggest beneficiary of Valencia's injuries. He had a stable season last year which helped him to get a place in the World cup squad as a left-back. Luke Shaw's emergence has forced the manager to use him at the opposite flank. Ashley Young, too, was in his last year but signed a one-year contract extension just a few months before.
After impressing in a few games early on, his performances have been on a downside. Blatantly, he was the worst player for the Reds against Barcelona in the quarterfinals of Champions League. In the first leg, he attempted 11 crosses from the right flank and completed NONE! He made a single tackle and gave away the ball at a number of times. In the second leg, playing at the left-back spot, Lionel Messi ripped him apart. His indecisiveness and lack of awareness aided Messi to score the first goal. It's quite clear, United need a solid and reliable right-back. Maybe Aaron wan Bisaaka?
#3 Antonio Valencia
Officially the skipper of Manchester United, Antonio Valencia, has hardly featured for the team this season. He has been one of the better performers for United in the past two seasons. Offering width and speed down the right side where no proper right-winger is deployed to date. Sir Alex signed him as a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo but he had excelled in a much defensive position in recent years.
His primary duty has been to make attacking runs and put crosses inside the box. In the meantime, he has scored some scintillating goals as well but now it's time to bid adieu to the skipper. This season he has featured in eight games, with no speed and no energy. His pace has been his biggest asset over the years but at the age of 33, he would only get slower.
His contract is going to expire this June and with no reports of a contract extension, we are waiting for an official confirmation of his departure. His recent Instagram story said, "thank you" with the background of Old Trafford suggesting that the club and player have finally reached the agreement to move separate ways.
#2 Eric Bailly
One of the primary signings of Jose Mourinho, Eric Bailly, has failed to discover his potential at Old Trafford. He is a highly talented defender who likes to game on. He does not fear any forward and has the pace & quick acceleration to compete with anyone. His is a capable lad but on the other hand, he is very reckless and lacks the tranquillity which is required in nervy situations.
His outings have been very limited in this season and the major reason for that is his consistent injuries. He has played 16 games all season, earning a yellow and a red card in them. His last appearance came against Paris Saint-Germain in the 1-3 victory. Solskjaer, surprisingly, opted to use him as a right-back. The 45 minutes of his stay at the pitch was completely shambolic and lethargic. He has been here at Old Trafford for three seasons now but it will be fair to say that his performances do not worth even close to his £30 million price tag.
#1 Phil Jones
Two more years and he would be a Manchester United player for a decade Sir Alex signed Phil Jones in the summer of 2011. He was very optimistic that Jones is a talent who could learn from the likes of Vidic and Ferdinand and become a superstar for the Red Devils at the back. Its been eight years and we are still waiting to see that.
Two characteristics which make him an "un-Manchester United" player is how highly injury-prone and error-prone he is. In eight seasons, he has played merely 195 Premier League games. This season as well he has featured in 20 games in all competitions. There always a period in the whole year where Phil Jones performs amazingly, giving 100% at the back and then suddenly makes a horrendous error to put his whole team in trouble. Sorry, but if Solskjaer wants to clean this house, Jones has to depart.
