As the new season approaches for Manchester United, fresh offensive talents like Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo bring a sense of optimism to Ruben Amorim and his squad. However, considerable work remains to be done. Departures, such as Marcus Rashford heading to Barcelona and potentially Alejandro Garnacho, contribute to the ongoing squad changes. Despite reaching the Europa League final last season, a disappointing 15th-place league finish marked by a staggering 18 losses underscores the significant need for improvement.
Last season was largely underwhelming for the Red Devils. Nevertheless, with a singular competitive focus and a stable managerial presence throughout the upcoming campaign, there`s a clear opportunity for progress. While considerable effort is required, certain aspects of the squad offer reasons for optimism as the season draws near.
The crucial question remains: which players should Manchester United retain, and which should they offload? Let`s delve into an individual assessment.
Manchester United: Keep or Sell Decisions
GK — Andre Onana (29)
Andre Onana, the goalkeeper, presents a paradox. While statistically an average Premier League performer, his displays range wildly from brilliant shot-stopping to significant liabilities. Although United`s defensive instability doesn`t help, Onana isn`t the club`s primary concern. However, if a suitable buyer emerges, offloading him would be a sensible decision.
Verdict: Sell
DEF — Leny Yoro (19)
Leny Yoro, a young defender, arrived from Lille with high hopes, but his initial integration was hampered by injuries and the club`s general turmoil. By season`s end, however, his potential as a central defender became evident. Yoro demonstrates composure on the ball and impressive mobility. With more playing time, he could develop into a robust Premier League defender, though his success will depend heavily on the defensive structure around him.
Verdict: Keep
DEF — Lisandro Martinez (27)
Lisandro Martinez often appears a different player for his club versus his national team. Potentially United`s finest pure defender, his consistent fitness issues prevent him from showcasing his full capabilities. Deciding on Martinez is challenging; a complete squad overhaul might warrant his sale, but not if the club intends to compete immediately. This dilemma highlights a broader problem at United: while a thorough rebuild is ideal, if that`s not the path, Martinez is essential to retain.
Verdict: Keep
DEF — Matthijs de Ligt (25)
Matthijs de Ligt, the Dutch defender, still possesses potential for development. However, his acquisition seemed primarily driven by his prior association with former manager Erik ten Hag. This leaves his role uncertain under Ruben Amorim. While de Ligt offers a strong aerial presence from set-pieces, this alone is insufficient to justify his place in a well-stocked squad.
Verdict: Sell
DEF — Harry Maguire (32)
Harry Maguire demonstrated his crucial value during United`s Europa League campaign. Despite his initial transfer fee being perhaps excessive, his leadership and drive are invaluable, securing him a role in an increasingly youthful squad.
Verdict: Keep
DEF — Patrick Dorgu (20)
Patrick Dorgu, an exciting young wing-back, stands to gain significantly from a complete preseason with the team. Wing-backs are integral to Amorim`s tactical approach, and Dorgu`s capability in both attack and defense suggests he will have a considerable role this season. His progress at this age will be vital for United`s aspirations of returning to European competition.
Verdict: Keep
DEF — Luke Shaw (30)
Luke Shaw remains a valuable asset due to his versatility, which enables squad rotation and keeps other defenders fresh, despite his history of injuries. He also provides quality deliveries from set-pieces and offers beneficial veteran leadership.
Verdict: Keep
DEF — Diogo Dalot (26)
Diogo Dalot excels offensively but requires defensive improvement. His future hinges on how Ruben Amorim intends to utilize Amad. Should new signings Cunha and Mbeumo necessitate Amad shifting to a wing-back position, Dalot might become redundant, given other players capable of filling his role.
Verdict: Amorim to figure out positioning
DEF — Noussair Mazraoui (27)
Noussair Mazraoui, similar to Shaw, offers valuable versatility, capable of playing both full-back and central defense. This places him above Dalot in the pecking order and grants Amorim tactical flexibility. While a title-contending team might seek an upgrade in this position, Mazraoui is currently sufficient for United`s needs.
Verdict: Keep
MID — Manuel Ugarte (24)
Manuel Ugarte, whose performances improved notably under Amorim, especially in Europa League matches, warrants more time to prove his worth, particularly given Casemiro`s age and the investment made in him. However, if he fails to make significant progress this season, a departure might be warranted.
Verdict: Keep
MID — Casemiro (33)
Despite expectations of his departure, Casemiro has continued to perform for Manchester United. Similar to many teammates, his best form was seen in the Europa League rather than the Premier League. Amorim must find a way to replicate this consistency over a longer league campaign, ensuring Casemiro receives adequate rest. While careful management is crucial, United cannot afford to lose the Brazilian midfielder at this juncture.
Verdict: Keep
MID — Kobbie Mainoo (20)
Kobbie Mainoo represents a key foundational piece for the squad and is set to be a crucial `x-factor` for United this season. He possesses an effortless ability to advance the ball and deliver precise passes to offensive players. While improving his shooting will be beneficial, the increased attacking options around him this season may lessen this requirement, contributing to better team balance.
Verdict: Keep
MID — Bruno Fernandes (30)
Bruno Fernandes, United`s indispensable talisman, arguably prevented the Red Devils from relegation last season. Significant support this campaign will alleviate the immense pressure on the Portuguese midfielder. Centering the midfield around him and Mainoo appears to be one of Amorim`s most straightforward decisions.
Verdict: Keep
MID — Mason Mount (26)
Mason Mount has not been a consistently integral player since his Chelsea days. Plagued by significant injuries each season, he appears to be another United player whose fitness cannot be relied upon. While he showed a brief upturn in form under Amorim, relying on him for the long term seems a risky gamble.
Verdict: Sell
FWD — Alejandro Garnacho (21)
The club has reportedly already decided to offload Alejandro Garnacho. While the exact reasons aren`t public, it appears that despite his talent, various factors have led Amorim to consider him redundant, especially with new attacking acquisitions in his role.
Verdict: Sell
FWD — Amad Diallo (23)
Amad Diallo, another crucial figure for Manchester United under Amorim, is set to remain at the club. Although his optimal position needs to be defined, his versatility is a significant advantage for the Red Devils. After a strong showing last season, he aims to build on that momentum and establish himself as a leading Premier League player.
Verdict: Keep
FWD — Antony (25)
Similar to Garnacho, the club has decided to part ways with Antony. His Premier League performances have evidently been deemed insufficient by the Red Devils, and a potentially strong loan spell at Real Betis is unlikely to alter this stance.
Verdict: Sell
FWD — Rasmus Hojlund (22)
Despite managing only four Premier League goals last season, Rasmus Hojlund still shows potential for greater output. Historically, when supported by other attackers, he has demonstrated an ability to convert scarce opportunities into goals – a situation that should improve this season. This upcoming campaign is crucial for the Danish striker, much like for Ugarte. While whispers suggest United might consider selling him for a suitable offer, it`s premature to abandon faith in his abilities.
Verdict: Keep
FWD — Joshua Zirkzee (24)
Joshua Zirkzee, like Hojlund, endured a disappointing season. However, unlike Hojlund, Zirkzee isn`t a natural number nine, which is precisely what United currently requires. He performs best when operating behind a primary striker, and with three or four other players in similar roles within the squad, he`s increasingly becoming redundant. His initial acquisition by United remains perplexing.
Verdict: Sell
