Manchester United fans were optimistic in the Transfer Tavern a few weeks ago but that situation has changed dramatically, with the same fans now concerned for what the season ahead will bring.
They’ve gathered in recent weeks to watch their side eliminated in the Champions League, facing the humiliation of dropping to the Europa League, before losing their latest Premier League clash against minnows Bournemouth.
Temper is rising in the bar, we’ve have to hand the United fans plastic cups with their drinks so that there isn’t any broken glasses, and many of them are angrily declaring that a few of their flops need to be offloaded in January.
Our bar staff wrote it all down and they do have a point- though some of their big names mentioned may come as a surprise to you!
Hit Van Gaal below to see FIVE players he must axe in January!
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Maroaune Fellaini
Marouane Fellaini basically optimises everything that’s gone wrong at Manchester United since Sir Alex Ferguson retired. Brought by David Moyes in controversial fashion, with the Red Devils paying over the odds and having little choice but to sign him after missing out on their targets, Fellaini has struggled to impress since.
He’s scored some crucial goals and is an important part of Louis Van Gaal side but the problem is he’s often deployed as a forward- and striker he is not. Fellaini is a good player in his favoured central midfield role but, on the face of it, he isn’t good enough for United’s first-team- especially if he moves back into the centre.
Victor Valdes
This one is pretty obvious, we’ve known Victor Valdes would be offloaded in January and the Spaniard will finally get his wish in the New Year. It’s not been a good year for Valdes, who’s clashed with Louis Van Gaal on a number of occasions.
Strengthening the belief that Van Gaal can’t handle big-names, Valdes will strengthen any side he joins- hence why United are desperate for him not to join a fellow Premier League side. Problem is, they may not have a choice.
Ashley Young
Ashley Young is the sort of Manchester United man that could have achieved so much but has instead ending up being rather underwhelming. A bit-part member of the squad during Sir Alex Ferguson’s successful reign, Young has failed to step-up since.
Utilised as a full-back, Young is rather poor and will always be remembered for his habit of going down like a sack of potatoes. With United looking to move forward, Young is the sort of player they need to leave behind and any bids will be welcome.
Guillermo Varela
A young, talented player for sure but Guillermo Varela isn’t good enough for Manchester United right now and he’s wanting regular first-team football. Given the current situation, Louis Van Gaal cannot give him his chances- as he struggled in the Champions League against Wolfsburg, not the most challenging of European opponents.
United fans will be concerned that another young talent will leave the club too soon and that may be the case, so a loan move would be perfect. However, Van Gaal like to keep a closely-knitted squad and because of this, there’s no ready replacement available to fill the void.
Wayne Rooney
The Manchester United and England captain shouldn’t be a starter for either club or country, it’s as simple as that. United have Anthony Martial in better form and Rooney isn’t the best support player at the club, so playing him in a deeper role is a waste of time.
Rooney has given United years of service and he’s enjoyed plenty of success but he’s definitely going backwards. If you don’t agree with this selection, find us a United fan that would turn down a £20-25m bid for the England international and we’ll talk.
