Sell-to-buy: Who stays and who goes at Manchester United?
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Up to eight senior stars could leave
It’s going to be an interesting few weeks and months at Old Trafford where it concerns expiring contracts.
Eight senior members are all officially out of contract with three of those having the option of a one-year extension.
It’s rumoured that Jose Mourinho might have to sell before he can buy in January. A number of players could be on their way to make room for any new arrivals.
The Coral News Team rate the eight players’ chances out of 10, and what happens. 10 being nailed on to stay, one being shoved out the door.
Juan Mata – 2/10
History and playing time tell us Mourinho just doesn’t really like Mata.
He sold him to United while at Chelsea. And despite scoring a handful of important goals for him, Jose only plays him intermittently.
At 29-years-old, the club could feasibly move him on for a relatively decent fee in January.
Ander Herrera – 7/10
The Spain international should get a new contract. He’s a Mourinho-style player with a big heart and bigger engine.
Still only 28-years-old, he’s got a good couple of years left in the tank at this level. And still has the quality to remain a squad player.
Daley Blind – 8/10
It would be a massive shock if the former Ajax ace was allowed to leave Old Trafford.
The club has a one-year option on his contract, and that could turn into a new three or four-year deal.
At 27-years-old, age, and his versatility are on Blind’s side.
Luke Shaw – 1/10
Basically, Shaw has little or no future at Old Trafford. Mourinho doesn’t rate him highly with reported attitude issues a bone of contention.
Barring a miraculous turnaround, the 22-year-old will leave the club in January either on loan or permanently.
A fee of around £10-15m will see him be snapped up, the Coral News Team imagines.
Marouane Fellaini – 7/10
Like Herrera, it would be a big shock if Fellaini was allowed to leave. And like the Basque, the big Belgian is Mourinho’s type of player.
He gives the squad a versatility that not many players can. A new deal likely beckons.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic – 5/10
The Swedish superstar staying at Old Trafford beyond the end of the season would surprise many.
But stranger things have happened. The 36-year-old should still be in decent shape and provides a quality option off the bench.
Ashley Young – 7/10
The former Aston Villa winger has had a remarkable career at United in many regards. The England international seems to have played in every position bar goals.
Mourinho is a fan of his versatility, attitude, and professionalism. And although could get a fee in January, will likely offer him a new short-term deal.
Michael Carrick – 2/10
A storied career at Old Trafford is coming to the end. At 36-years-old, Carrick will likely retire at the end of the season.
Mourinho will keep the Geordie around past January in case of emergencies.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of time of publishing
