With INEOS taking over at Old Trafford, there’s a swirl of speculation surrounding the future composition of the Manchester United squad.
As the club navigates this transition, the spotlight turns to key players whose fate hangs in the balance.
Here, Noah Ngcobo dissects the pivotal decisions facing the Red Devils as they approach the summer transfer window.
Do they stick or twist on certain players? Let’s delve into the names on the chopping block – and those who are vital to keep at the club.
Stick:
Kobbie Mainoo
It comes as no surprise that Kobbie Mainoo finds himself on the ‘stick’ list, but it’s a rather straightforward assessment. The breakout star of the season, Mainoo is already knocking on the door for a starting spot in England’s line-up for the upcoming 2024 Euros.
At just 19 years old, Mainoo has proven himself indispensable, igniting excitement among the Manchester United faithful about his potential. His name is among the first names on the team sheet, regardless of the opposition.
With the potential to offer 15 years of service to the first team, Mainoo represents a rare generational talent in the making. Currently, he thrives as a six, but to maximize his impact, he needs a partner who can hold while he roams freely across the pitch.
Mainoo sits atop the list of players United must retain, his maturity on the field belying his age, making him the cornerstone around which the team’s rebuild should revolve.
Twist:
Marcus Rashford
Amidst the swirling debates among Manchester United fans lies the pivotal question of Marcus Rashford’s future. A talismanic figure synonymous with the club, Rashford’s aura has been undeniably interwoven with the fabric of Manchester United.
However, the timing for a potential departure may have shifted unfavourably, as his impressive 2022/2023 campaign, when his stock was at its peak, would have been the ideal time for him and Manchester United to part ways.
This season has witnessed a dip in form, plagued by sub-par performances and a barrage of negative publicity.
The conundrum intensifies with Rashford’s hefty contract extension inked last summer, binding him to the club until 2028 with a staggering £325,000 weekly wage.
Despite his undeniable talent, potential suitors would now be inclined to gamble on his promise rather than a proven track record.
Enter Paris Saint-Germain, purportedly eyeing Rashford as a successor to Kylian Mbappe, offering a lifeline for United to offload both the player and his colossal wage burden.
Rashford’s recent inconsistency on the pitch has amplified calls for a fresh start, not only for the club’s sake but also for the player’s career trajectory.
The sentiment resonates deeply with fans who have witnessed Rashford’s evolution from academy prodigy to first-team stalwart.
Yet, loyalty mustn’t overshadow pragmatism; Rashford’s subdued performances betray his potential, necessitating a shift towards rejuvenation.
Beyond the off-field distractions, it’s Rashford’s on-field demeanour that warrants scrutiny; adorned with the iconic Red Devil crest, every stride carries the weight of expectation and scrutiny.
The critique levied upon him is not borne out of malice but rather from a collective yearning for the return of the Rashford that fans were used to.
This criticism of Rashford comes from disappointment, and fans knowing he is better than what he is putting on the field.
In this scenario, a fresh challenge beckons, both for Rashford and United, as they are faced with the decision of whether to stick with familiarity or embrace the uncertainty of change.
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Stick
Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes, the captain of Manchester United, remains a polarising figure among the fan base despite being the team’s standout performer statistically.
Widely regarded as one of the best creators in European football, Fernandes has created more chances than any other player across Europe’s top five leagues this season.
His relentless work ethic on the pitch reflects a player deeply committed to the Manchester United cause. However, some question whether Fernandes’ style aligns with Erik ten Hag’s vision of possession-based football.
It’s argued that with a stronger midfield and attacking line, Fernandes wouldn’t need to force plays as much.
His performances for Portugal, alongside players like Bernardo Silva, illustrate a different facet of his game. Fernandes’ significance to Manchester United cannot be overstated.
This season, he leads the team in virtually every attacking metric: he has the most goals, assists, shots on target, chances created, possession won, through balls, crosses, and final third passes.
He embodies the transition from defence to attack, which is extremely difficult to replace.
With his involvement in an overwhelming number of games over the past seasons, managing his minutes effectively could be crucial to sustaining his high level of performance.
Selling Fernandes would be a grave error for Manchester United, given his unmatched contribution to the team’s success.
Twist
Antony dos Santos
Antony is a must-sell for Manchester United. Unfortunately, he has not performed up to expectations, with only one goal and one assist in 26 appearances this season.
Despite the significant investment of £86million, his contribution falls short of what is required for a club of United’s stature.
INEOS, the club’s ownership group, will undoubtedly consider any offers that come in, knowing they will likely recoup less than what was spent on him.
The persistent inclusion of Antony in the starting line-up has frustrated many United fans, who perceive it as favouritism due to his price tag and past association with manager Erik Ten Hag at Ajax.
However, it’s evident that his performances do not justify his continued selection. While selling Antony may pose a challenge for Ten Hag, it’s imperative for the manager’s success that the club moves on from the Brazilian.
Admitting the mistake in signing Antony requires a significant level of humility from the coaching staff and scouting department. His exorbitant price tag in a way demands the club start him week in, week out – but his on-field performances have not justified this faith.
If Antony is to salvage his Manchester United career, he must demonstrate considerable improvement and consistency, neither of which seems likely at this point.
Therefore, it’s time for United to cut their losses and seek a player who can make a meaningful impact on the pitch.
Failure to address this issue only serves to undermine Ten Hag’s tenure, making Antony’s transfer saga a persistent thorn in the manager’s side.
Stick
Lisandro Martinez
Lisandro Martinez is arguably one of the most vital players on this list and potentially the closest to world-class status that United possess.
Martinez’s absence due to injury has proven to be a significant setback for Manchester United this season. His return, albeit brief, coincided with an undefeated streak for the team.
However, upon his subsequent absence, the team’s performance suffered notably.
Martinez’s confidence and composure on the field elevate the performance of those around him, making him an invaluable asset.
At just 26 years old, Martinez still has ample time to overcome his injury woes, potentially solidifying his role as a cornerstone in United’s defence for years to come.
His influence transcends the pitch, with many supporters viewing him as the captain that does not wear the armband.
With all these factors considered, retaining Martinez should be a priority for Manchester United this summer.
Twist
Casemiro
Casemiro, despite his wealth of experience and numerous Champions League titles, is a player Manchester United should consider selling this summer.
While the importance of senior players in a team cannot be overlooked, particularly in guiding younger talents, Casemiro’s recent performances suggest it may be time for a change.
Although impressive last season, his form has dipped this year, possibly influenced by injuries and tactical shifts within the team.
United’s defensive vulnerabilities, with a record number of shots faced, highlight a lack of midfield stability and cohesion.
With three years remaining on his hefty contract and recurring fitness concerns, selling to a club like those in Saudi Arabia could alleviate United’s wage bill significantly.
Casemiro, now in his early 30s, commands a hefty weekly wage of £300,000. He has faced injury setbacks twice this season and tends to accumulate yellow cards frequently.
Manchester United could significantly alleviate their wage bill with the right offer.
On the bright side, keeping Casemiro means preserving his influential presence, particularly on players like Kobbie Mainoo.
His experience and continuity in the dressing room are undeniable assets. However, this season has seen Casemiro fall short of expectations, and given his age, there’s little hope for a turnaround.
His hefty £70million price tag, coupled with substantial wages, has posed challenges for the Red Devils, especially with Financial Fair Play regulations looming.
Perhaps it was a case of the right player, wrong timing. United might have benefitted more had they acquired him five years earlier to maximise his immense talent. Nonetheless, for now, Casemiro remains a sell in United’s transfer plans.
Twist
Scott McTominay
Scott McTominay has played in big games for Manchester United this season and scored some seriously important goals, which says a lot about where the club is at.
At the same time, it suggests that McTominay has some value, so it’s time to move him on.
McTominay is the one on this Twist list who, if there was no good value coming in for him, fans would not be too concerned about keeping because there is the impression that he understands his role within the team.
McTominay could easily be kept on as a squad player, but then you have to wonder what purpose he serves, because he is not a midfielder or a striker.
Ten Hag plays him up front because he is big, physical, and will put himself around, but there are better strikers who specialize in doing so, and if Ten Hag wants to keep him as a midfielder but cannot trust him to play in the six, then where are you bringing him on to play?
Therefore, despite the fact that he has done well this year, he does not fit into the plans for the future, so United should try to cash in on his good season and sell him in the summer.
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