Manchester United’s squad could look very different on September 1.
United’s current squad has been built by three managers, containing the remnants of Sir Alex Ferguson’s latter years at Old Trafford, a few players from the muddled months of David Moyes and was bloated by Louis van Gaal’s often perplexing signings.
Jose Mourinho, who prefers to work with small squads, was always going to trim the squad, casting off dead wood and youngsters perceived not to be good enough to make a direct impact on the first-team.
According to a report in The Mail on Sunday, there are three players in United’s squad with no future at the club, a number of players who can leave if an opportunity presents itself, and some, including Marcus Rashford, who will be “On the sidelines” this season.
Bastian Schweinsteiger, Marcos Rojo and Matteo Darmian are, according to the report, not part of Mourinho’s plans.
Juan Mata, Memphis Depay, Adnan Januzaj and Ashley Young face uncertain futures at Old Trafford, and have been told they are unlikely to play regularly next season.
While there are a number of young players who could be on their way out of the club, either on-loan or on permanent deals, including Guillermo Varela, Will Keane, James Wilson and Tyler Blackett.
The Mail, in their report, include Marcus Rashford in this category, titled “On the sidelines”, casting doubt over the striker’s place in Mourinho’s team.
Rashford’s first-team opportunities could be limited by the arrival of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but few expect him to leave Old Trafford in any form. The 18-year-old should have plenty of chances to play in the Europa League, at least, next season.
However, if the report is to be believed, he isn’t central to Mourinho’s plans. United fans will find out soon enough what role the fan favourite will have at the club next season.
