Man Utd transfer news: The United players who must go… and the ones they cannot afford to lose

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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer faces a pivotal summer in his first transfer window as permanent Manchester United manager having missed out on a top-four spot.

As well as planning to bring in five new signings at a cost of more than £200m, he will usher out a host of under-performing stars.

His cull began back in January when still caretaker, with Marouane Fellaini informed he was surplus to requirements.

With a number of players reaching the end of their contracts – and others simply not in Solskjaer’s plans, it promises to be a tumultuous window.

And, having missed out on the top four, Man United cannot offer Champions League football next season.

Executive vice chairman Ed Woodward has given his manager the go-ahead to oversee a bigger than usual ‘churn’ of talent – but Solskjaer knows he can’t complete his overhaul in one summer.

Which is why certain Man Utd players will be given a stay of execution before eventually being shown the door.

Standard Sport’s Manchester Football Correspondent James Robson considers who will avoid the cut and who will be sent packing.

The Man United players who must go… and those they can't afford to lose

Photo: Getty Images
Getty Images

David de Gea

Can United really afford to risk losing him for nothing at the end of next season. If he won’t sign a new deal this summer, it might be time to cash in.

VERDICT: Sell (if he doesn’t sign)

Photo: PA
PA

Sergio Romero

Probably the best reserve keeper in the Premier League. Never lets United down – and would have a case to be No1 if De Gea goes.

VERDICT: Keep

Photo: Man Utd via Getty Images
Manchester United via Getty Images

Lee Grant

Third choice keeper, who allows the highly-rated Joel Pereira to get experience on loan.

VERDICT: Keep

Photo: AFP/Getty Images
AFP/Getty Images

Joel Pereira

There are great hopes for him, but needs regular game-time to establish himself.

VERDICT: Loan

Photo: Getty Images
Getty Images

Victor Lindelof

One of United’s most improved players this season and someone Solskjaer should look to make the bedrock of his rebuild. Needs a top class partner to bring the best out of him.

VERDICT: Keep

Photo: Man Utd via Getty Images
Man Utd via Getty Images

Eric Bailly

So much hope for him when he arrived, but a debilitating injury record, along with his rash decision-making have curtailed his progress.

VERDICT: Sell

Photo: Man Utd via Getty Images
Man Utd via Getty Images

Phil Jones

Just signed a new long-term contract – and despite widespread derision, remains a valuable squad member.

VERDICT: Keep

Photo: Action Images via Reuters
Action Images via Reuters

Chris Smalling

Like Jones, eyebrows were raised when he was handed a new deal, but has impressed alongside Lindelof and remains an effective option.

VERDICT: Keep

Photo: Getty Images
Getty Images

Marcos Rojo

Woeful injury record and has failed to convince on the increasingly rare occasions he makes it onto the pitch. Long contract and high wages make him difficult to offload.

VERDICT: Sell

Photo: Getty Images
Getty Images

Ashley Young

His form has fallen off a cliff since signing his new contract recently. Can only be considered as back-up full back next season.

VERDICT: Keep

Photo: AFP/Getty Images
AFP/Getty Images

Diogo Dalot

Has shown promise – particularly as an attacking option this season – but remains raw defensively. United’s interest in Aaron Wan-Bissaka points to his failure to establish himself.

VERDICT: Keep

Photo: AFP/Getty Images
AFP/Getty Images

Antonio Valencia

Out of contract and on the way out. It has been a miserable final chapter for the winger-turned-right back as a virtual spectator this season.

VERDICT: Release

Photo: REUTERS
REUTERS

Luke Shaw

Has probably enjoyed his most consistent season. Still developing and should establish himself as one of the best left backs in Europe, given his natural talent.

VERDICT: Keep

Photo: PA
PA

Matteo Darmian

There’s an argument to say he’d be better back-up Young. But United could get decent money for a player who has rarely been anything other than a fringe member of the squad.

VERDICT: Sell

Photo: Getty Images
Getty Images

Ander Herrera

He’s out of contract and on his way to Paris Saint-Germain. Would have been worth keeping – but not on a weekly wage of around £200,000-a-week.

VERDICT: Release

Photo: PA
PA

Paul Pogba

He’s not consistent enough, but he’s a player to build the team around. At his best, he’s proven he’s world class – he just needs the quality around him.

VERDICT: Keep

Photo: REUTERS
REUTERS

Juan Mata

United have never seen the player who was so effective for Chelsea. Had his moments, but just too slow to fit in with Solskjaer’s plans. Out of contract, it’s time to go.

VERDICT: Release

Photo: AFP/Getty Images
AFP/Getty Images

Andreas Pereira

United have triggered a one-year extension on his contract, so now it’s up to him to prove he deserves a longer deal.

VERDICT: Keep

Photo: Getty Images
Getty Images

Fred

So far his greatest contribution to United has been the fact that his name conveniently fits into ‘Ole’s at the wheel.’ By any reasonable measure, you’d be looking to sell on the basis of his first season, but Solskjaer can’t get rid of everyone.

VERDICT: Keep (for now)

Photo: Action Images via Reuters
Action Images via Reuters

Nemanja Matic

Looks to be in decline and turns 31 in August. Can do a job, but questionable whether he can be a regular starter next season.

VERDICT: Keep

Photo: AFP/Getty Images
AFP/Getty Images

Scott McTominay

Has shown glimpses of the potential United’s coaches have long seen in him. Definitely a decent option next season, if not yet ready to be part of Solskjaer’s strongest midfield.

VERDICT: Keep

Photo: Getty Images
Getty Images

Jesse Lingard

Has made his critics eat their words. Fast, good touch, eye for goal and versatile – he offers so much to United’s attack and is only likely to get better.

VERDICT: Keep

Photo: Getty Images
Getty Images

Alexis Sanchez

His move from Arsenal has been little short of a disaster. An injury-plagued campaign haven’t helped – but he’s looked miles off the pace whenever he’s stepped onto the pitch.

United desperately need to find someone to take him off their hands – but on £450,000-a-week…

VERDICT: Sell

Photo: AFP/Getty Images
AFP/Getty Images

Romelu Lukaku

Still has a decent strike rate and will take some replacing – but he just doesn’t fit Solskjaer’s system.

United would hope to get close to the £75m he cost them – but how far will that money go when it comes to finding a striker good enough to lead their attack?

VERDICT: Sell

Photo: Getty Images
Getty Images

Marcus Rashford

Has established himself as Solskjaer’s leading man – but desperately needs to improve his finishing and decision making. So much and technique on the ball, but doesn’t look like a natural goal-scorer yet.

VERDICT: Keep

Photo: Getty Images
Getty Images

Anthony Martial

For a spell this season he looked every bit the heir to Thierry Henry that he was once considered. But Solskjaer has rarely been able to get a tune out of him and is frustrated by his failure to score ugly goals. Still, he has tremendous potential.

VERDICT: Keep

Have your say! Who do you think should stay or go this summer?

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