Louis van Gaal reportedly wants a summer clearout…
Rafael looks set to head a mass exodus at Old Trafford this summer, as Louis van Gaal holds talks with 10 Manchester United players whose futures look uncertain at present.
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The Brazilian full-back hasn’t played for the Red Devils since their FA Cup third round win away at Yeovil and, with Paddy McNair signing a new long-term deal at the club, his days look numbered.
Along with Rafael, there are a number of other players who will be on tenterhooks until spoken to by their manager and here we rate whether van Gaal should keep them on, or ditch them.
Rafael
His prospects don’t look particularly good for an extended stay at Old Trafford with Paddy McNair having recently signed a long term contract and Louis van Gaal stating he could be “the Man United right-back for the next 10 years”. A good player but doesn’t fit into his manager’s plans.
CaughtOffside verdict: DITCH
Tom Cleverley
Out of contract in the summer and admitted his Old Trafford career was over after moving on loan to Aston Villa. Cleverley has been the subject of a lot of criticism from Manchester United fans and has said that it hurt him.
CaughtOffside verdict: DITCH
Phil Jones
Struggled with injury this season and only started 15 games, but the 23-year-old has done well in his Manchester United career to deal with the pressure and weight of expectation considering his age. A solid player who, given the right nurturing, will develop into a rock at centre back.
CaughtOffside verdict: KEEP
Robin van Persie
The Dutchman has struggled to reproduce the prolific form he showcased at Arsenal and under Sir Alex Ferguson, when he scored 26 goals. That said, he has still bagged 10 this season in an underachieving Manchester United side and strikers who would fit into their side are both hard to come across and expensive.
CaughtOffside verdict: KEEP
Radamel Falcao
Arrived at Old Trafford with a fanfare, and a reported bank busting wage, but has spectacularly failed to live up to expectations of being one of the world’s most feared strikers. Falcao has scored just four goals for Manchester United this season and for the money they are paying, they could easily do better.
CaughtOffside verdict: DITCH
Jonny Evans
The Northern Irishman is one of the longest serving players at Old Trafford and has done reasonably well in the 12 starts he has had this season. Van Gaal is unlikely to see him as a long term fulcrum of the defence but he has experience of winning trophies and can do a job.
CaughtOffside verdict: KEEP
Michael Carrick
The England international joined for £18.6 million in 2006 and has since gone on to show, when fit, he is a talent and important to the side. That said, at the end of the season he will be 34-year-old and hasn’t had the best luck with injuries to say the least, which is unlikely to change with age.
CaughtOffside verdict: DITCH
Ashley Young
Has featured only as a bit-part player under Louis van Gaal, but has impressed in fits and starts. Has had competition from record signing Angel Di Maria who has disappointed immensely following his big money move, Young looks like he could keep him on his toes for a while longer.
CaughtOffside verdict: KEEP
David de Gea
One of Manchester United’s top performers this season and widely regarded as one of the world’s best goalkeepers. The Spaniard has been touted with a move to Real Madrid by the Metro, with talk of Los Blancos number one, Iker Casillas, moving to the MLS, to lose him would be a tragedy for the Red Devils.
CaughtOffside verdict: KEEP
Chris Smalling
Featured sparingly this season and has seemingly gone backwards in his development since joining. With Manchester United reportedly, once again by the Metro, looking at Diego Godin and Mats Hummels, the former Maidstone defender’s day numbered to say the least.
CaughtOffside verdict: DITCH