Van Gaal wields the United axe.
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Having had time to assess his Manchester United squad over their pre-season campaign, the notoriously ruthless Louis van Gaal is now ready to cull five members of his squad, having informed them that they are surplus to requirements, according to the Mail.
Van Gaal reportedly held face-to-face meetings with his United squad on Saturday and informed the following five players that they are not needed at Old Trafford in the coming season:
Marouane Fellaini
Belgian midfielder Marouane Fellaini endured a tough debut season at Old Trafford after signing for a huge fee from Everton, and was criticised for his clumsy displays in the centre of midfield. Napoli are amongst the teams to have been linked with a move to take him off United’s hands this summer.
Nani
Portuguese winger Nani is now one of United’s longest serving senior players, but with van Gaal potentially set to switch system to 3-5-2, there is likely to be no place for him in van Gaal’s thinking, with Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young also preferred in wide areas.
Rafael
Brazilian right back Rafael initially looked like he could be a genuine star of the future when he arrived at Old Trafford, but has since gone the same way as his twin brother Fabio, losing his way and now seemingly drifting complete out of favour.
Anderson
Another Brazilian who failed to fulfill his potential at Old Trafford is central midfielder at Anderson, who has rarely been seen in the red shirt of United over the last couple of seasons, spending part of last year on loan at Fiorentina.
Javier Hernandez
Southampton and Inter Milan are amongst the clubs believed to hold an interest in signing Mexican striker Javier Hernandez, who has been told that he can leave Old Trafford despite some promising displays in United’s pre-season tour of the USA.