Manchester United could be in line for a summer exodus with boss Erik ten Hag willing to sell members of his current squad in order to finance a summer transfer splurge with a few candidates potentially on the chopping block
Manchester United ’s January transfer window hasn’t exactly been the extremely busy affair that many thought it would be.
The Red Devils have completed just two short-term loan deals with swoops for Jack Butland and Wout Weghorst from Crystal Palace and Burnley respectively. Despite the relatively quiet window that the side have had thus far, planning is already in place for when it reopens this summer.
Erik ten Hag is prioritising a move for a big-name striker and potentially another midfielder – deals that are not expected to be cheap. As a result, he could look in to cash-in on a number of members of his current squad.
Mirror Football takes a look at a few players who could potentially be sold either on deadline day or in the summer by Ten Hag:
Harry Maguire
Currently the Red Devils captain, the former Leicester defender has fallen down the pecking order at the club following the arrivals of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez. It has been suggested that he could potentially leave Old Trafford sooner rather than later.
Inter Milan have reportedly lodged an enquiry regarding his future with the Italian club needing to find a replacement for Milan Skriniar. A move in the final hours of the transfer window appears unlikely however.
Maguire, now 29, still has two-and-a-half years left on his contract and United are expected to have high demands should they sell him.
Harry Maguire could be sold sooner rather than later ( Image: Getty Images)
Victor Lindelof
Much like his defensive colleague, Swedish international Lindelof has seen opportunities at Old Trafford dry up this season. Since Ten Hag’s arrival at Old Trafford, he has been afforded just four league starts.
The former Benfica centre-back will have just a year left on his deal come the summer so United might be tempted to cash in on his services. Inter have been credited with an interest amid reports of an initial loan bid – something that the Red Devils are not particularly interested in entertaining.
Brandon Williams
Following a disappointing loan spell with Norwich last term, it appeared unlikely that left-back Brandon Williams had a future at Old Trafford. The 22-year-old has made just one appearance for the Red Devils so far this season.
He is another of the crop of players out of contract in just 18 months’ time so might seek pastures new in 2023. With Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia currently Ten Hag’s options for the left-back spot, he looks all-but certain to miss out on first team football for the foreseeable future.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
A player that seemed destined for the exit door just a few weeks ago, £50m defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka has enjoyed somewhat of a resurgence over recent weeks. The right-back has earned a place back in the side due to the injury to Diogo Dalot and has certainly taken his opportunity.
Despite that, he could still be on the way out of Old Trafford in the near future. Former club Crystal Palace remain interested in taking him back to Selhurst Park, while West Ham have also been linked.
Whether United are able to get back the vast majority of the whoppinh fee they paid for Wan-Bissaka remains to be seen but there are definitely suitors should the Red Devils decide to sell.
Anthony Elanga
One of the brightest prospects to come out of the Man Utd academy in recent seasons, Elanga has seen his chances dry up at Old Trafford under Ten Hag. The young winger has made just seven starts for the Red Devils thus far.
Whilst he might be low on the list of players that the United boss wants to sell, he could still command a considerable fee. Should he want to stay with the club, he needs to find some more consistency having registered just two assists in all competitions.
Anthony Elanga has seen opportunities dwindle this season ( Image: Getty Images)
Anthony Martial
Another who has not quite managed to hit the heights expected of him as a Man Utd player, French forward Martial has endured a campaign blighted by injury struggles. The Frenchman looked set to leave the club last season, before Ten Hag made him a key part of his squad when fit.
That’s been the main issue for Martial, who has managed just 13 appearances for United so far this season and scored five goals. He is another who sees his deal expire in 18 months’ time so it might be wise for United to cash-in on him while they still have the chance.
Dean Henderson
Whilst the vast majority of the players so far are currently at Old Trafford, there are also a clutch of players out on loan that could earn the Red Devils somewhat of a pay day. Back-up goalkeeper Dean Henderson has enjoyed excellent spells out on loan with Sheffield United and Nottingham Forest.
Entering his peak years and an English international, United could potentially ask for a high price for the academy prospect. A decision on his future could hinge on David de Gea who sees his contract expire this summer.
Alex Telles
A £15m signing from Portuguese giants Porto back in 2020, things did not really go to plan for Brazilian defender Telles at Old Trafford. He was mainly utilised as a back-up to Shaw and has made just 30 Premier League appearances over two seasons.
In an effort to earn more regular football, he made a loan move to Sevilla in the summer. However, Telles has struggled to make himself a regular in Andalucía and a move to another club could suit all parties.
Eric Bailly
Still a United player, Ivorian defender Bailly still has 18 months left on his Old Trafford contract but appears to have little future with the club. He is currently in the midst of a temporary spell with Marseille but was recently handed a lengthy ban for a horrendous challenge.
Considering the competition facing him at Old Trafford, United would be wise to cash in on the former £30m defender.
Source: mirror.co.uk
