Our Manchester United fans in the Transfer Tavern are preparing themselves for wholesale changes this summer, although not all of the alterations will be ones that they approve of.
That seems to be the case with one story in particular, as it’s been reported recently that Juan Mata could be prized away from the Red Devils clutches to return to his homeland- a situation that seems likely, given United look set to miss out on Champions League football for next season.
As such, the lads by the pool table have started debating which other members of their squad could be on their way out this summer, some of which they would love to keep but simply can’t see it happening for a number of reasons.
We asked them to give us five names of players who could leave Manchester United this summer and they obliged, handing us a list that features a wealth of experience that could be extremely difficult for United to replace- no matter how much money they’re prepared to spend this summer.
Hit Mata below to see FIVE players who could follow him out of Man United this summer!
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Marouane Fellaini
The Belgian midfielder was courted by Italian sides during the January window and although there was no prevail in the mid-season market, Marouane Fellaini looks certain to be offloaded in the summer as his spell at Old Trafford has been nothing short of disastrous.
Fellaini has failed to replicate the form he showed at Everton and ever since he followed former manager David Moyes to Old Trafford, the situation has been far from ideal. In fact, the whole saga surrounding his capture was pretty ridiculous.
Whoever is in charge this summer is extremely unlikely to have a place for Fellaini within their squad and a move to the continent seems to be the most likely option for the midfielder.
Wayne Rooney
Now 30-years-old, it’s clear that Wayne Rooney is approaching the twilight of his career. Whilst he remains the captain of both Manchester United and the England national team, United may be open to a sale this summer whilst his signature still commands a high price.
Having won everything he could possibly get his hands on at Old Trafford, Rooney himself may accept a departure whilst his reputation remains intact. With a lot of interest from China, and possibly the MLS, Rooney could enhance his standing in global football to a new level.
One possible problem though is an exit to either the Far East or North America would likely concede his place in the England set-up and he may be eying one final punt at the World Cup in 2018 before he hangs up those boots.
David De Gea
Embroiled in the biggest transfer saga of 2014, which saw a potential move to Real Madrid fall apart in the dying moments of the summer window, speculation regarding David De Gea’s future at Manchester United has been floating around ever since.
The Spaniard did pen a new deal with the Red Devils but it’s likely that was only to ensure United get a price for his services, rather than lose him on a free transfer. With Champions League football not likely to be at Old Trafford next term, De Gea could push for an exit once again.
As the strongest part of the United squad, the Premier League giants will be keen to ensure he doesn’t leave as he’ll be seen as the ideal footing to build success upon. However, due to their failures this season, Manchester United may not have a choice.
Adnan Januzaj
The 21-year-old Belgian international rose to fame under the short reign of David Moyes at Manchester United but under his replacement Louis Van Gaal, Adnan Januzaj has been constantly overlooked and it appears his future may be elsewhere.
Signing Memphis Depay and Angel Di Maria in recent seasons shows the Dutch boss doesn’t trust him fully with a regular starting berth, which was confirmed when he was loaned out to Borussia Dortmund. He returned prematurely in January due to a lack of chances in Germany but his situation hasn’t improved at Old Trafford.
With the aforementioned Depay and Jesse Lingard to compete with, and United continuing to be linked with a wealth of exciting wide-men in the gossip snippets of the tabloids, it’s becoming increasingly apparent that the youngster’s future lies away from Old Trafford.
Michael Carrick
It seems Manchester United have already accepted the departure of experience midfielder Michael Carrick in the summer, as the 34-year-old hasn’t been offered an extension on his current deal that expires at the end of the season.
The former Tottenham Hotspur ace has, like Wayne Rooney, won everything he possibly can with United and an exit this summer seems to be a suitable conclusion for his successful spell in the North West of England.
What United fans won’t be happy with though is the fact that Carrick would be free to join a Premier League rival, although a move to the MLS to join compatriots Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard is also possible.
