Manchester United are making significant strides in their improvement on the field under Erik ten Hag this season. And although the Premier League title is beyond their grasp, fans of the Red Devils can still make use of the offers on odds available through leading comparison platforms such as oddschecker to back them in their goal of adding the Europa League crown to their EFL Cup triumph this season. Ten Hag can afford to be satisfied with his first season in charge of United, which could have easily been derailed by their sticky start to the campaign, notably their 4-0 defeat at the hands of Brentford.
The Dutchman can now look to next season with optimism regarding his squad, which could be further boosted by the potential takeover of the club in light of the many serious investors circling with significant bids. United could well be in the market for many major names over the summer, but there are important pieces that could return next season out on loan. Several players have been out making names for themselves in the Premier League, Championship and elsewhere across Europe. They could also come into the forefront of the squad next season to bolster the ranks without having to spend a penny in the market.
Dean Henderson
United face a big decision regarding the future of the England keeper. He has spent the season on loan at Nottingham Forest and has performed well for the Midlands outfit. Henderson made no secret that he was tired of playing second fiddle to David de Gea after sitting on the bench for two seasons after a successful loan spell at Sheffield United. De Gea has been a reassuring presence between the posts for United, although he has not been infallible, making his fair share of mistakes.
Henderson is more than capable of offering the same standard of keeping for United, but De Gea has the experience, especially of the top level of the game. At the age of 26, Henderson is younger and has more years ahead of him, which might just sway the decision. If United are going to be looking for a new keeper in a few years, it might be worth to make the move now rather than in the future. Otherwise, there are a number of clubs that will be interested in his signature.
Amad Diallo
Amad signed for United for £40m from Atalanta after making only four appearances for the Serie A club. He appeared only a handful of times for United over the first 18 months of his deal before being loaned out to Rangers last term. The Ivory Coast international made a limited impact during his time at Ibrox, notching three goals in 13 appearances for the Gers. With first-team chances limited at United, the club opted to send him out on loan again to Sunderland in the Championship. The 20-year-old has flourished under Tony Mowbray with the Black Cats, scoring nine goals in 32 appearances, and earning a huge number of plaudits for his style of play.
Ten Hag considered bringing the Ivorian back to Old Trafford, but opted to leave him at the Stadium of Light for the duration of the campaign. When he returns, Amad will be battling Anthony for a starting role in the side. United are blessed with Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Antony, Anthony Elanga and Alejandro Garnacho, who can all play in the wide areas. Amad may have leapfrogged Elanga in the pecking order, and would seemingly play in rotation with Antony on the right flank. He would be a great depth option to have for United unless they were to make further moves in the transfer market. A loan move to a Premier League club would be the next logical step if that were the case or alternatively another season with the Black Cats might suit all parties. Time is on his side.
Axel Tuanzebe
Tuanzebe needs to move on from United in the summer. The defender needs to be playing regular first-team football, which he has found during his loan spell with Stoke City after recovering from a back injury. The 25-year-old has made more appearances for his loan clubs than he has for United. He is at the stage of his career when he needs to make a clean break to ensure that he fulfils his potential.
A permanent move to Stoke would be a solid option for the centre-back under the guidance of Alex Neil. The Championship is about his level at the moment, although there could be interest from teams in the lower half of the Premier League or even a promoted club. Burnley, Sheffield United and Middlesbrough could be intriguing options.
Tuanzebe does have a lot of talent and could still be a quality defender in the Premier League, but he needs regular football that is not going to come at Old Trafford. A cut-price deal would make a lot of sense for United and the defender for a fresh start.
Hannibal Mejbri
Hannibal is an exciting prospect that could push for a starting place in the United midfield, one day. The 20-year-old has performed well on loan at Birmingham City this season, performing at a solid standard in a middling-at-best team. He scored his first goal for the Blues in their 2-0 win over West Brom. Hannibal has been full of energy for the Blues in the middle of the park and occasionally he has allowed his exuberance to get the better of him, collecting 10 yellow cards over the course of the campaign.
Slowly but surely, he is starting to control himself on the pitch, which will stand him in good stead for the future. United are stocked well with central midfielders, although Marcel Sabitzer’s return to Bayern in the summer will free up a space. It is unlikely that Hannibal could take the step up and may have to settle for being a squad player, although reports suggest that Scott McTominay could leave, which may further thin the ranks.
Hannibal is a player that could use another loan spell either in the Championship at a club pursuing promotion or alternatively a move abroad. He just needs to make fine tweaks to his game and in two years could be pushing for a starting role under Ten Hag.
