The five United stars who need to prove themselves worthy of a new deal.
Manchester United have already had one busy summer in the transfer market under Louis van Gaal, as the Dutchman looks to reshape the Old Trafford squad – and there are already reports that things are set to continue in twelve months’ time.
The Express have suggested that five players need to fear for their Old Trafford future, with less than one year left on their current deals and no prospect of a new one unless they buck their ideas up. Here are the five stars:
Ben Amos
Young goalkeeper Ben Amos received a blow when it transpired that back-up stopper Anders Lindegaard would not be leaving the club, blocking his path to becoming the key cover for David de Gea and potentially meaning that opportunities will be limited for academy product Amos to prove himself worthy of a new deal.
Darren Fletcher
Experienced Scotland midfielder Darren Fletcher has done brilliantly to resurrect his career after serious illness, but needs to step his performances is up if he is to persuade van Gaal that he is worth of an extension on his reported £60,000 per week contract when this season draws to a close.
Michael Carrick
One of the club’s most long-serving players, Carrick has been a key part of United’s success over recent years, but there are no contenders for his central midfield place in the shape of new signings Ander Herrera and Daley Blind. A poor season from Carrick, who currently remains on the treatment table, could leave his place at Old Trafford under serious threat.
Anderson
Brazilian Anderson has become something of a forgotten man at Old Trafford, having failed to live up to the huge potential that he seemed to have upon his initial arrival at the club from FC Porto. An unsuccessful loan spell with Fiorentina last season did little to help United get his wages off the bill this summer – but the have the option when his contract expires next year.
Tom Cleverley
Tom Cleverley has a chance to save his Manchester United career whilst away from Old Trafford – during his loan spell at Aston Villa that was ratified by the Premier League following the closure of the transfer window. Cleverley needs to start showing the form that he did whilst out on loan at Wigan Athletic if he is to persuade Louis van Gaal to extend his contract with United.