Keep Or Sell? Manchester United’s Squad Ranked & Rated, With Mega Money Replacements Suggested

Here’s who we like, and who we reckon doesn’t cut it at Old TraffordSEE ALSO: The Best Manchester United players of all time

Louis van Gaal is set to make countless signings this summer, which means he’ll surely offload a few members of his squad before the 2014/15 season commences.

Here’s what the Dutch boss could, and perhaps should do ahead before the end of the summer.

The likes of Patrice Evra and Alexander Buttner have already departed, while Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic left the club at the end of their respective contracts.

GOALKEEPERS: 

David de Gea: KEEP

After a difficult start to life in the Premier League, the Spaniard has established himself as one of the best keepers around.

Anders Lindegaard: SELL

Has gone in the opposite direction after once being in a realistic competition for the number one spot. Time to go.

Sam Johnstone: LOAN

Promising England youth international, still only 21, worth loaning out rather than keeping him sitting on the bench.

Possible replacements? Guillermo Ochoa – The Mexican is available on a free contract after running his deal down at Ajaccio.

 

DEFENDERS:

Rafael: KEEP

The only out and out right-back in the squad, a decent player worth keeping hold of.

Phil Jones: KEEP

A make or break season for the England international, he needs to push on and prove he deserves to be at Old Trafford.

Johnny Evans: SELL

With two new centre-backs potentially arriving, it could be time for him to go. A loyal servant, but perhaps not United quality.

Chris Smalling: KEEP

As with Jones, a vital season for the young defender, who needs to prove that he belongs at the club or face the exit door next summer.

DEFENDERS CONTINUED:

Luke Shaw: KEEP (New signing)

Will be the cornerstone of United’s team for years to come, although will want to prove early that he was worth the £30m price tag.

Michael Keane: LOAN 

One of a handful of young United defenders who will likely spends the season on loan, at 21 he has bags of potential.

Possible replacements? Thomas Vermaelen, Mats Hummels, Stefan de Vrij, Daley Blind – Two of the first three names will likely join the club as Louis van Gaal looks to replace long-term centre back partners Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic. The latter could provide full-back cover.

MIDFIELDERS:

Michael Carrick: KEEP

As proved himself as a dependable holding player over the years and is a firm-favourite at Old Trafford, worth at least one more year.

Tom Cleverley: SELL

Not good enough to be a Manchester United player, flattered to deceive last season and needs to go.

Darren Fletcher: SELL

Another favourite at Old Trafford, but injuries and other extenuating circumstances mean he is far from the player he used to be.

Antonio Valencia: KEEP

A useful utility player who can provide cover in a number of positions, worth keeping hold of.

Shinji Kagawa: SELL

Has not lived up to his exceptional hype, if better options become available it might be worth cashing in.

MIDFIELDERS CONTINUED:

Marouane Fellaini: SELL

Had a spectacularly uninspiring year last time out and does not fit into United’s system – get as much of your money back as you can.

Nick Powell: LOAN

Talented, but not really good enough for United. Still only 20-years-old so could well spend another year on loan before a decision is made.

Ander Herrera: KEEP (New Signing)

Will want to make an instant impact and justify his £28m transfer fee.

Possible replacements? Arturo Vidal – the Juventus midfielder remains one of United’s prime transfer targets, but can they convince the Italian giants to sell their prize asset.

ATTACKING MIDFIELDERS:

Juan Mata: KEEP

Will need to work hard to impress Louis van Gaal, but shouldn’t have any trouble keeping his spot after an impressive end to last season.

Nani: SELL

Perhaps two years too late, Nani looks likely to leave Old Trafford this summer, and whatever money they can get for him, then so much the better.

Ashley Young: SELL

An underwhelming winger who seems to have gone backwards over the last couple of years, needs to rebuild his career elsewhere.

Wilfried Zaha: SELL

Sir Alex Ferguson’s last signing as manager of Manchester United was not his best, is likely to go.

ATTACKING MIDFIELDERS CONTINUED:

Jesse Lingard: LOAN

Impressed in the Championship last season, could well spend another season there.

Adnan Januzaj: KEEP

Will get better and better, his development should be one of United’s top priorities.

Anderson: SELL

Has never really cut it in a United shirt, despite racking up 179 appearances, will leave this summer.

Possible replacements? Juan Cuadrado, Angel di Maria –  the Colombian World Cup star could be a useful alternative to his international teammate James Rodriguez, who has chosen Madrid over Manchester. Real Madrid’s Argentine winger has also been linked.

FORWARDS: 

Wayne Rooney: KEEP 

The England star has at least a couple of years remaining at the top level, and is a contender for the club captaincy.

Javier Hernandez: SELL

Has shown his discontent at being fourth choice and could make way for a new signing this summer.

Robin van Persie: KEEP

Louis van Gaal’s star player at international level will play exactly the same role in his manager’s new club side.

FORWARDS CONTINUED:

Danny Welbeck: KEEP

If he can be convince to play second fiddle to Rooney and Van Persie he is a more than worthy back-up.

Bebe: SELL

Needs to go as soon as possible, not even close to being good enough.

James Wilson: LOAN

Showed last season that he has talent, now needs to develop it with another Premier League side.

Possible replacements? Edinson Cavani  – the Uruguayan striker is unsettled at PSG and could be tempted into a big-money move to Manchester.

SEE ALSO: Most expensive Premier League transfers ever.