Three Players Manchester United should bin this January

Manchester United leapt into the top five with a crucial victory over Premier League leaders Arsenal last weekend and lead Group A in their Champions League pursuits, but given the laborious nature of the club’s campaign to date, the squad undoubtedly still requires work. And just as much as bringing in fresh faces to galvanize the side is necessary, so will be unloading those no longer required. And so, the following are three players boss David Moyes should bid farewell to at Old Trafford.

Anderson

Anderson has not lived up to expectations since his £20 million move from Porto in the summer of 2007, having been subject to a seemingly endless slew of fitness issues and questionable form.

The current term has been no different than its predecessors for the 25-year-old, as he’s played just 133 minutes of domestic football en route to a Performance Score of only 22, creating four chances and failing to provide any contributions of note.

It doesn’t appear that the situation at Old Trafford will change any time soon for the Brazilian, who duly hasn’t featured for his country in five years.

And with his contract running until July 2015 it is time to offload him at last, even if it is likely he’ll fetch just a nominal fee, as there is little to nothing he can offer Moyes’ side looking into the future.

Ashley Young

The former Aston Villa man has become more of a liability than an asset for United as he continues to land in the spotlight for diving.

Young holds the dubious honour of possessing the lowest Premier League Performance Score in the Red Devils’ ranks this season at -28. He has fallen out of favour with David Moyes, having not featured in the Premier League since United’s 4-1 thrashing at the hands of Manchester City.

His preferred tricks having been identified by opposing defenders, the 28-year-old has succeeded in just 3 of 10 take ons, whilst he’s failed to provide even one accurate cross in eight attempts and has lacked any end product whatsoever with no assists from his attempted key passes.

Despite the negativity surrounding him at present, Young may still command a decent offer from a mid-table club, and United would be wise to cash in before his reputation can be further damaged.

Javier Hernandez

Previously a factor at Old Trafford, the Mexico international has endured a difficult campaign in Moyes’ fledgling reign on the bench, making a meager seven appearances between United’s Premier League and European commitments.

Hernandez’s only goal of the term may have been a much-needed winner against Stoke, consequently representing the lone headed duel he’s won so far, but he’s mustered only five total shots and has looked out of sorts due to a dearth of playing time.

Certainly the 25-year-old hasn’t been deprived of his quality, yet it remains to be seen whether he truly figures into the Scottish tactician’s plans, with his glaring miss against Real Sociedad indicative of a player that isn’t competing with the utmost conviction.

As such it may be beneficial for the two parties to part ways, as United could reinvest funds received from his sale to strengthen the squad in other areas.