It has already been a busy summer of activity off the pitch as Old Trafford, as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been amending his squad to improve on last season’s performance. United were able to finish second last season, but the expectation at the Theatre of Dreams is always to win major silverware. United have now gone four seasons without a major success, and that is something that will need to change following the additions that have been made so far this summer.
The Red Devils have been able to add Jadon Sancho, while the official announcement for Raphael Varane also doesn’t seem that far away. However, there will also be outgoings at United this summer. But, which players could be leaving Old Trafford?
Phil Jones/Axel Tuanzebe
The arrival of Raphael Varane means that a number of central defenders will be able to leave Old Trafford this summer. It’s likely that Axel Tuanzebe will be able to leave on a loan deal, with Newcastle United reportedly interested in his services. The English central defender has been unable to make one of the defensive positions his own after an impressive loan spell with Aston Villa, and another season away from Old Trafford could help his development.
It has been reported that United will be willing to allow Phil Jones leave on a free this summer. The defender has been with the Red Devils for nine seasons, but has made just eight appearances in all competitions over the last two seasons. His departure would certainly free up wages, and it seems a move that is best for both club and player.
Andreas Pereira
Belgium-born Brazilian international Andreas Pereira also looks to be among the players that the Red Devils would be willing to listen to offers for this summer. Pereira returned to Old Trafford at the start of the summer having spent the 2020-21 season on loan at Lazio. The 25-year-old is unlikely to get many minutes this coming season, as Solskjaer likely has Fred, Scott McTominay, Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic above him in the pecking order.
Pereira was considered to be an exciting talent during his youth career, but he has been unable to make his mark on the senior team. He has played just 45 times in seven years with the clubs, and has spent three seasons on loan. A permanent move away from Old Trafford could be best for Pereira and United moving forward.
Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba is an interesting case that the United fan base refuse to agree on. Pogba is certainly one of the most talented players at Old Trafford, but his commitment to the cause and consistency can be questioned. The United hierarchy will face a big decision this summer as the Frenchman has just 12 months remaining on his current deal. If an agreement can’t be reached with the player, then it is hugely likely that United will listen to offers for Pogba to eliminate the risk of losing him for free for the second time next summer.
The Frenchman may be more inclined to listen to United’s offer following the business that has been done already during this transfer window, but Mino Raiola may already be looking at another big pay day for himself. The Pogba transfer saga is likely to be one that will roll on for weeks and months to come, but United will be keen to get answers before too late so that they can identify a suitable replacement and bring him in before the season starts against Leeds United in August.
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