Three Players Who Manchester United Must Offload In The Summer
Manchester United are one of the wealthiest clubs around the globe. After the arrival of Jose Mourinho in 2016, the club made no compromises or bargain in signing top quality players from around the world.
Manchester City have been confirmed as Premier League winners for the 2017/18 campaign. Having dominated for the majority of the season, they deserved to win the title.
Manchester United last won the title under Sir Alex Ferguson in 2012/13. Despite the blip against West Brom, Mourinho remains confident of guiding United to their highest post-Ferguson era league finish.
However, the Portuguese tactician cannot remain happy finishing second this term and must take a dip into the summer transfer market to bring a couple of quality players to compete with City for the title next season.
The Red Devils have vastly improved this season as compared to the last one but what they have lacked throughout the season is consistency.
Following Sunday’s shock defeat at the hands of West Brom, it is clear that United need a shake-up and in order to sign new players. Mourinho should get rid of some deadwood to create space in the first-team squad.
Here are three players United should sell in the summer.
Matteo Darmian
It is tough to recollect when Matteo Darmian last completed a full 90 minutes for United.
Darmian’s arrival in the summer of 2015 was considered a shrewd piece of business by then manager, Louis van Gaal. The Italian defender started off very well under Van Gaal, steadily building his reputation with consistent displays for United.
However, Darmian has fallen down the pecking order under Mourinho, with both Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young ahead of him. He has found game time very hard to come by this season and come summer, the Italian must be sold.
Daley Blind
There’s no question that Blind has the footballing brain to be a success at United but Mourinho seems to prefer powerful central midfielders and nippy left-backs. Blind is neither quick nor robust but makes it up with his reading of the game and is excellent on the ball too.
The Dutchman’s versatility makes him an even better player but it is very clear that he lacks the physicality to sustain in the Premier League. He may get away with it against smaller teams but against world-class teams, Blind may tend to struggle and is a definite liability.
This season, the Dutch international has played only five times in the Premier League and it would be better if United offload him in the summer.
Phil Jones
Back in 2013, Sir Alex Ferguson said the defender could end up as United’s “best ever player.” However, serious injuries have dampened his career, limiting his chances to excel at United.
Jones is still only 26 and could be a useful squad player but it might be better for both parties if the England international leaves in the summer.