United squad cull to continue in January transfer window.Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has more plans to axe members of his current first-team squad when the transfer window re-opens in January, it has emerged.
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The Red Devils managed to clear out the likes of Danny Welbeck, Javier Hernandez, Nani and Wilfried Zaha this summer as their new manager van Gaal set out to put his own stamp on the squad at Old Trafford, with big-name signings such as Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao also arriving at the club during the summer transfer window.
Still, recent reports suggest more signings could be on their way in during the winter, with AS Roma midfielder Kevin Strootman and Borussia Dortmund centre-back Mats Hummels on their radar, though more players will need to be shown the door as well.
The five names set for the axe are as follows:
5) Anderson
A highly disappointing player for United in recent times, Anderson is surely set to be the first in line to be shown the door in January after a number of abject displays for the club in recent years. The only trouble might be finding a buyer for the unfit and out-of-form Brazilian flop.
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4) Anders Lindegaard
Possibly now third choice goalkeeper at Old Trafford, it would be no surprise to see Anders Lindegaard set for the transfer list this January. United tried to offload him this summer but couldn’t find any buyers, though they will hope to find interested clubs again in the middle of the season.
3) Ashley Young
Linked with the likes of West Ham United and Newcastle United earlier in the summer, an exit never panned out for Ashley Young as he looked like finding some decent form as a wing-back during United’s pre-season tour of the US. Still, van Gaal remains unconvinced by the England wide-man and is still keen to ship him out as soon as possible.
2) Rafael da Silva
Once regarded as a top prospect at right-back, Rafael da Silva does not seem to be in Louis van Gaal’s plans for the new season due to the Dutchman’s interest in signing a wing-back such as Juan Cuadrado for the role. Antonio Valencia seems to be first choice in that position for the moment, and United are open to offers for Rafael this January.
1) Marouane Fellaini
An expensive flop after his £27.5m move from Everton on deadline day last summer, Marouane Fellaini has not managed to win over Louis van Gaal either. United tried to sell him to Napoli during the summer but a move could not be completed in time, though an exit from Old Trafford seems highly likely wwhen the transfer window opens again in January.