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𝙆𝙚𝙚𝙥 𝙤𝙧 𝙎𝙚𝙡𝙡
A look at the future of Manchester United's first team squad and possible targets in the summer transfer window.
[Stats via @fbref]
![A thread:𝙆𝙚𝙚𝙥 𝙤𝙧 𝙎𝙚𝙡𝙡A look at the future of Manchester United's first team squad and possible targets in the summer transfer window.[Stats via @fbref]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EyCYsMJXAAECzsP.jpg "A thread:𝙆𝙚𝙚𝙥 𝙤𝙧 𝙎𝙚𝙡𝙡A look at the future of Manchester United's first team squad and possible targets in the summer transfer window.[Stats via @fbref]")
𝙆𝙚𝙚𝙥 𝙤𝙧 𝙎𝙚𝙡𝙡
A look at the future of Manchester United's first team squad and possible targets in the summer transfer window.
[Stats via @fbref]
KEY PLAYERS
The following are certain to be part of United's future given their importance/potential/major investment put into them:
AWB
Maguire
Shaw
Bruno
Rashford
Greenwood
There are other top players in the squad, but their futures are more doubtful.
The following are certain to be part of United's future given their importance/potential/major investment put into them:
AWBMaguireShawBrunoRashfordGreenwoodThere are other top players in the squad, but their futures are more doubtful.
SURPLUS TO REQUIREMENTS
For me these players should be sold/released in order to raise funds and lower the wage bill:
Lingard
Dalot
Chong
Jones
Pereira
Romero
With the effects of Covid hitting hard, efficiency in sales holds the key to our summer transfer activity.
For me these players should be sold/released in order to raise funds and lower the wage bill:
LingardDalotChongJonesPereiraRomeroWith the effects of Covid hitting hard, efficiency in sales holds the key to our summer transfer activity.
DE GEA
A great servant to the club, our best player post-Fergie for many years. Unfortunately, errors have crept into his game and his once world class shot-stopping has become unreliable. If Dea Gea or Henderson is to leave then, sadly, I'd rather see David go.
Verdict: SELL
A great servant to the club, our best player post-Fergie for many years. Unfortunately, errors have crept into his game and his once world class shot-stopping has become unreliable. If Dea Gea or Henderson is to leave then, sadly, I'd rather see David go.
Verdict: SELL
HENDERSON
Young but full of potential that has seen him keep 11 clean sheets in 18 starts. Commanding presence who offers leadership and organisation to a back line lacking in these attributes. Given his age and ability I feel he should now be our No.1 GK.
Verdict: KEEP
Young but full of potential that has seen him keep 11 clean sheets in 18 starts. Commanding presence who offers leadership and organisation to a back line lacking in these attributes. Given his age and ability I feel he should now be our No.1 GK.
Verdict: KEEP
LINDELOF
Solid and underrated as an individual. Stylistically not matched with Maguire as both lack pace to cover spaces in behind, inviting pressure by dropping too deep. Not a suitable long term partner, but an excellent squad option along with Tuanzebe.
Verdict: KEEP
Solid and underrated as an individual. Stylistically not matched with Maguire as both lack pace to cover spaces in behind, inviting pressure by dropping too deep. Not a suitable long term partner, but an excellent squad option along with Tuanzebe.
Verdict: KEEP
BAILLY
Has the pace that Maguire & Lindelof lack. Much more suited to Harry but not a sustainable option due to constant injuries. Rumoured to be frustrated at lack of playing time so could be a good time to sell before handing him a new contract.
Verdict: (reluctantly) SELL
Has the pace that Maguire & Lindelof lack. Much more suited to Harry but not a sustainable option due to constant injuries. Rumoured to be frustrated at lack of playing time so could be a good time to sell before handing him a new contract.
Verdict: (reluctantly) SELL
CB TARGET
Benoît Badiashile | 20yo | ~£40M
His speed makes him very effective on the recovery and has the composure to time his tackles well. Aerially strong and has fantastic passing range with the ability to progress the ball forward. Look out for his diagonals to the RW...
Benoît Badiashile | 20yo | ~£40M
His speed makes him very effective on the recovery and has the composure to time his tackles well. Aerially strong and has fantastic passing range with the ability to progress the ball forward. Look out for his diagonals to the RW...
...He's left footed which brings more balance and opens up more passing lanes when building from the back. His style compliments Maguire and they would form a more complete defensive unit than we have now. Pau Torres is also a top choice but Badiashile is the one for me.
TELLES
Great technical ability, dangerous from crosses and set pieces and defensively solid. A team player and reliable understudy to the best LB in the league in Luke Shaw.
Verdict: KEEP
Great technical ability, dangerous from crosses and set pieces and defensively solid. A team player and reliable understudy to the best LB in the league in Luke Shaw.
Verdict: KEEP
MATIC
Experienced and has great attributes but can be prone to poor positioning and leaving back line exposed. Mobility is fading and turns 33 in summer, but somehow has 2 years left on his contract. Not a long term option and doesn't suit playing sporadically.
Verdict: SELL
Experienced and has great attributes but can be prone to poor positioning and leaving back line exposed. Mobility is fading and turns 33 in summer, but somehow has 2 years left on his contract. Not a long term option and doesn't suit playing sporadically.
Verdict: SELL
POGBA
Technically world class with game changing quality. Struggled with injury and inconsistency but we miss him when he doesn't play.
The direction of our team depends on his future, but we shouldn't have to beg anyone to stay. If he wants to leave, let him go.
Verdict: SELL
Technically world class with game changing quality. Struggled with injury and inconsistency but we miss him when he doesn't play.
The direction of our team depends on his future, but we shouldn't have to beg anyone to stay. If he wants to leave, let him go.
Verdict: SELL
FRED
Bundles of energy, enthusiasm and effort. He will run, hassle and bite all day.
However, seriously lacking in quality and an easy target for a heavy touch or stray pass. A useful squad player but we can do much better. Keeping Garner's spot warm.
Verdict: Keep (for now)
Bundles of energy, enthusiasm and effort. He will run, hassle and bite all day.
However, seriously lacking in quality and an easy target for a heavy touch or stray pass. A useful squad player but we can do much better. Keeping Garner's spot warm.
Verdict: Keep (for now)
McTOMINAY
Has improved so much under Olé. A true box-to-box CM. Sometimes burdened by playing with Fred as he is too restricted in getting forward where he has shown an eye for goal. Serious talent, useful in big games but should be a squad player. Fletcher-esque.
Verdict: KEEP
Has improved so much under Olé. A true box-to-box CM. Sometimes burdened by playing with Fred as he is too restricted in getting forward where he has shown an eye for goal. Serious talent, useful in big games but should be a squad player. Fletcher-esque.
Verdict: KEEP
VAN DE BEEK
An intelligent footballer, still adapting. Sometimes plays the easy/safe pass but again, hasn't had much chance to get into a rhythm. Would benefit from playing with more creative wide players and a dedicated and reliable DM. His time will come.
Verdict: KEEP
An intelligent footballer, still adapting. Sometimes plays the easy/safe pass but again, hasn't had much chance to get into a rhythm. Would benefit from playing with more creative wide players and a dedicated and reliable DM. His time will come.
Verdict: KEEP
CM TARGET
Declan Rice | 22yo | ~£70-80m
The perfect modern DM. A leader who is tenacious, mobile & has excellent passing & ball-carrying ability. His positioning and anticipation have led to him being ranked #1 in the PL for interceptions and 5th for tackles won this season...
Declan Rice | 22yo | ~£70-80m
The perfect modern DM. A leader who is tenacious, mobile & has excellent passing & ball-carrying ability. His positioning and anticipation have led to him being ranked #1 in the PL for interceptions and 5th for tackles won this season...
...His presence would allow us to play a more progressive CM partner (Donny) to help us break down teams that sit back, which would help negate the loss of Pogba. For me he is a no brainer and, if we can factor Jesse into a deal, he could be a realistic option for us.
MATA
The nicest man in football. Proper technician who can unlock defences but seems to have been phased out as we move to a more pressing style of play. On big wages and not likely to break back into the team long term.
Verdict: SELL (but invite back as coach when retired)
The nicest man in football. Proper technician who can unlock defences but seems to have been phased out as we move to a more pressing style of play. On big wages and not likely to break back into the team long term.
Verdict: SELL (but invite back as coach when retired)
JAMES
The Welsh Park Ji-Sung. Has improved drastically this season. Impressed by his determination to improve and sheer willingness to fight for the team.
Frightening pace but quality and composure sometimes lacking. Very good option to have in the squad.
Verdict: KEEP
The Welsh Park Ji-Sung. Has improved drastically this season. Impressed by his determination to improve and sheer willingness to fight for the team.
Frightening pace but quality and composure sometimes lacking. Very good option to have in the squad.
Verdict: KEEP
RW TARGET
Jadon Sancho | 21yo | ~£80-90m
His skill, imagination, technique, dribbling, passing and positioning are world class despite just turning 21.
He would add much needed balance, versatility and goal threat to our attack and should be prioritised over a striker. Baller.
Jadon Sancho | 21yo | ~£80-90m
His skill, imagination, technique, dribbling, passing and positioning are world class despite just turning 21.
He would add much needed balance, versatility and goal threat to our attack and should be prioritised over a striker. Baller.
CAVANI
A natural predator and a great example for our young strikers. He is rumoured to be unhappy but another year would allow us some breathing space while we transition Mason in at #9 during next season.
If he does leave, a back up striker will be needed.
Verdict: KEEP
A natural predator and a great example for our young strikers. He is rumoured to be unhappy but another year would allow us some breathing space while we transition Mason in at #9 during next season.
If he does leave, a back up striker will be needed.
Verdict: KEEP
MARTIAL
Undoubted quality when on form, but that has been rare this season. Hold up play has improved but he's often accused of lacking desire to make goal scoring runs. His xG is similar to last season, but needs to find form or he could lose his place for good.
Verdict: KEEP
Undoubted quality when on form, but that has been rare this season. Hold up play has improved but he's often accused of lacking desire to make goal scoring runs. His xG is similar to last season, but needs to find form or he could lose his place for good.
Verdict: KEEP
LOANS
United have utilised their loans effectively this season. Garner, Mengi, Laird, Pellistri and Levitt should be allowed to build on their progress by going on loan again as they have a real chance of making it. Brandon Williams is another who could use a loan spell.
United have utilised their loans effectively this season. Garner, Mengi, Laird, Pellistri and Levitt should be allowed to build on their progress by going on loan again as they have a real chance of making it. Brandon Williams is another who could use a loan spell.
YOUTH
Our academy is bursting with talent. Mejbri, Shoretire, Galbraith & Elanga have all trained with the first team and should be nurtured in house, along with McNeill & Hugill in the u18s. Amad is a seriously special talent certain to reach the top if managed correctly.
Our academy is bursting with talent. Mejbri, Shoretire, Galbraith & Elanga have all trained with the first team and should be nurtured in house, along with McNeill & Hugill in the u18s. Amad is a seriously special talent certain to reach the top if managed correctly.
SUMMARY
I hope we sign everyone mentioned, but I only expect us to sign 1 marquee player, 2 if we sell efficiently.
Let me know if you agree/disagree with this thread and who you'd keep, sell and buy in the replies.
Thank you for reading
+
appreciated
END OF THREAD
I hope we sign everyone mentioned, but I only expect us to sign 1 marquee player, 2 if we sell efficiently.
Let me know if you agree/disagree with this thread and who you'd keep, sell and buy in the replies.
Thank you for reading
+ appreciatedEND OF THREAD
