Ever since Ole’s appointment it’s been clear that he’s not afraid to cut big names from his squad if they don’t fit the mould. With high profile players like Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez now off the books Ole looks set to continue his ‘cultural reset’. We look at the current United squad and propose who might be shown the exit door and how much for.
Chris Smalling – AS Roma/Inter Milan
After an impressive season for Roma in Serie A there is plenty of interest in the signing of Smalling from Italian and Premier League clubs. The 30 year old centre back has plenty of experience under his belt and his time at United looks to be over.
Realistic fee: £18m
Diogo Dalot – PSG/Everton
The young Portuguese right back was signed for close to £20m from Porto, but with just 65 minutes of Premier League action this season he looks to be one outside of Ole’s plans. Still just 21 years of age, Diogo has plenty of promise and looks exciting going forward. United should at least look to break even with his sale if he is to go this summer.
Realistic fee: £19m
Marcos Rojo – Club Estudiantes de La Plata
The Argentinian centre back spent 6 months on loan back in his home country and looks like he could end up there permanently if they can arrange a sufficient financial package. His wages will clearly be an issue and could see United collect little to no transfer fee in an attempt to clear him from the books.
Realistic fee: £7m
Sergio Romero – Leeds United
Arguably on of the best number 2’s in the league if not the world, Romero could see his spot taken by the returning Dean Henderson. At 33, Romero could easily still do a job in the Premier League and United should look to cash in on him while they can. Despite the rivalry, a sale to Leeds United could be on the cards and could help United boost their transfer kitty.
Realistic fee: £15m
Jesse Lingard – Everton/Brighton
The English midfielder has had a troubling season at Man United, just about managing to finish the season with a goal involvement with almost the last kick of the Premier League season. As an academy graduate it looks like his best career move could be to leave Old Trafford for a fresh start despite being a player Ole clearly admires.
Realistic fee: £15m
Juan Mata/Andreas Pereira – Anywhere
The attacking midfield duo personify the significant drop off in quality between the first eleven and the bench. While Mata remains the more technically gifted, at 32 years of age and on a significant salary, United would likely listen to offers for both him and Andreas and sell one of them if the price is right.
Realistic fee: £6m/£13m
Phil Jones – Anywhere
The English centre back was signed by Sir Alex from Blackburn and predicted a career right at the very top. After 9 years at the club, Jones has never managed to remain fit for any significant period of time. Contracted to 2023 United should look to offload him, if anyone would be willing to buy him. His injury record will no doubt significantly dent his potential value.
Realistic fee: £5m
All in all then, United have plenty of players that are on the chopping block this summer but historically struggle to operate efficiently in the transfer market in either incomings or outgoings. The reality lies with probably a maximum of only 4 of these players leaving this summer – and likely for less than their worth.
With Sanchez’s wages off the books contributing a saving of around £10m a season (after his pay-off) United could bolster their transfer kitty by almost £100m in player sales alone (£98.5m) let alone saved wages. Adding in Jadon Sancho could leave United with almost a completely balanced net spend allowing United to strengthen in the other necessary areas of the pitch.
Football Rambling Daily 