Manchester United fans in the Transfer Tavern are excitedly gearing up for what should be a busy transfer window but many are forgetting that there will also be outgoing deals from Old Trafford.
With Louis Van Gaal making clear his desire to have a close-knit squad, any incoming deals will likely mean someone else will move on. On top of this, there’s the trouble-makers and unhappy men that will be offloaded either way.
We started a discussion at the bar as to who is destined to leave Manchester United in January and our punters gave us some interesting responses. Many wanted Wayne Rooney to be shipped-out but, unfortunately for them, that’s not likely.
Instead, these five players are set to be scrapped in the New Year so Van Gaal can salvage some attacking excitement from elsewhere.
Hit Van Gaal below to see FIVE players he’s set to scrap from United in January
[ffc-gallery]
[/ffc-gallery]
Victor Valdes
The Spanish goalkeeper has been in Manchester for less than a year but the bridges between him and Louis Van Gaal have been burnt through, leaving a smouldering pile of ash in a spot where one of the most successful goalkeepers in Europe should stand.
It all kicked-off in the summer, as Valdes was left out of the pre-season tour of North America after Van Gaal accused him of refusing to play with the reserves. Valdes responded angrily, posting a picture which suggested the contrary, but any light-hearted banter many wanted to see never materialised.
Instead, Valdes has been left to rot in the background and he will almost certainly be on his way out in the New Year.
Marcos Rojo
Argentine defender Marcos Rojo is walking a very thin tightrope after his own fall-out with Van Gaal, again related to the pre-season tour, after passport problems with the South American.
It appears the relationship has been revolved, with Rojo now enjoying regular first-team action in the absence of an injured Luke Shaw, but any slip-up could lead to Van Gaal ordering the axe to swing on the head of the young defender.
Antonio Valencia
When Louis Van Gaal declared his intention to sign a pacy winger in January, Antonio Valencia’s heart must have sank. Many feel he fits the bill perfectly but Van Gaal clearly doesn’t agree, leaving the Ecuadorian on the brink of an exit.
Whilst many fans want him to stay, Van Gaal’s desire to have a small squad could prove to be the straw that breaks the camel’s back and Valencia may be offloaded. If he remains, then the next player could be the one ousted.
Ashley Young
Ashley Young has endured an indifferent career at Manchester United, as desire many trophies he’s often remembered for two things; diving and having a bird poo in his mouth live on UK television. Comedy gold.
With Van Gaal looking for a winger, and wanting to maintain a small squad, any incoming arrival could lead former Watford man Ashley Young out of Old Trafford. He’s unlikely to be missed too much in truth, as he never quite got going.
James Wilson
Manchester United want a striker to ease the pressure on Anthony Martial, with Wayne Rooney misfiring, and we’ve been left wondering what on earth James Wilson has done wrong to be constantly overlooked. Many feel he deserves a chance but that hasn’t been forthcoming.
With Van Gaal overlooking him, and in the market for a forward, it’s unlikely that Wilson’s situation in Manchester will be changing anytime soon- so a January exit could well be on the cards. It may end-up only being a loan deal for the time being but, if we’re honest, we don’t think he’ll ever make the grade in the United first-team.
