Rumours of Jose Mourinho and Manchester United have been in the tabloids since mid-December and now, as we enter April, we’re still awaiting official confirmation that the former Chelsea boss will replace the hapless Louis Van Gaal.
Considering the confidence of many outlets that Mourinho will indeed manage the Red Devils into next season, it’s worth looking at the monstrous task he has ahead of him- as everyone can see there’s major problems that need fixing.
From front to back, Manchester United will have to replace deadwood with genuine quality and replace those players who are potentially going to be snapped up by bigger clubs (we’re looking at you David De Gea).
With players from across world football being linked with Manchester United, there’s going to have to be some hefty absences to make room for these newbies and we feel that this lot need to be axed as soon as Mourinho steps in!
Hit Mourinho below to see FIVE players he has to axe at Man United upon his arrival!
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Marouane Fellaini
The legacy of David Moyes’ ill-fated reign at Old Trafford, Marouane Fellaini has been a colossal waste of money. Bizarrely, despite axing the useful Javier Hernandez, Louis Van Gaal never did wield the axe upon the Belgian midfielder- and even used him as a striker.
It’s clear though that Fellaini is not up to the required standard of United and the long-ball tactic the Red Devils have used at times to try and get a use out of the lanky midfielder is quite embarrassing. With United eyeing new midfielders, expect Fellaini to be sacrificed.
Marcos Rojo
Impressive at the 2014 World Cup, Marcos Rojo’s career at Manchester United has stunk of inconsistency and there’s been a wealth of off-field issues too. There were whispers he could leave in January, but those never came to fruit, although this summer an exit seems more likely.
Whilst the Argentine would be a useful asset for many Premier League sides, United really don’t need him. Luke Shaw is the first-choice and will return after his injury, whilst Daley Blind can also cover on the left-side when necessary. Add youth products Cameron Borthwick-Jackson and Joe Riley into the mix and it shows United have an array of talent in this area- meaning no room for Rojo.
Wayne Rooney
For some Manchester United fans putting Wayne Rooney in this list will be like blasphemy but when you compare England’s record goalscorer to a forward United could buy as an alternative, you’ll see the United captain is long past his best.
With just two 20+ goal seasons in his Premier League career, Wayne hasn’t quite found his footing like many expected. His tally of just seven Premier League goals this season is further evidence of his decline and United pay him £300k-a-week, a price you can get two quality players for.
Adnan Zanuzaj
Louis Van Gaal never quite gave Adnan Januzaj his chance like David Moyes did but to be fair, the Belgian international didn’t utilise his brief stint with Borussia Dortmund that well either. With an array of wingers at the club, and more in United’s sights, the once exciting youth product could well be axed.
Memphis Depay may not inspire too much but there’s Jesse Lingard to think about, plus the links to Cristiano Ronaldo, Thomas Muller, James Rodriguez and basically every name in European football. Mourinho doesn’t trust youth players that much either, so don’t expect Januzaj to be utilised in his reign.
Ashley Young
Much like Adnan Januzaj, there just isn’t a use for Ashley Young at Manchester United anymore- and please don’t suggest he should be utilised as a full-back. It’s not cool and it doesn’t work. You’re letting the world down.
Ashley Young was a moderately successful player with Manchester United but it wouldn’t be unfair to suggest there should have been a lot more from him. With capable younger players ready to step-up, and big names eyed, Young should be offloaded.
