Last week’s 4-3 FA Cup quarter-final triumph against rivals Liverpool marked a significant step forward for ERIK TEN HAG’S Manchester United.
It comes at a time when Erik ten Hag has called for patience from both fans and analysts, with Manchester United currently sixth in the Premier League.
There is likely to be a considerable churn of players at United this season.
As Sir Jim Ratcliffe gets his feet under the table in Old Trafford
United began the game with an energy rarely seen this season, and Ten Hag expressed hope that the outcome “could be that moment” when the club’s fortunes turn around.
One remarkable aspect of the performance was how previously maligned or underutilized players rose up to keep United in the cup, with goals from Antony and Amad.
However, no one’s future is certain following Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s minority investment in Manchester United, and he will undoubtedly want to leave his mark on the club.
Here are seven stars who could leave as he plans a major overhaul at Old Trafford.
Antony
To suggest the winger has struggled to justify his £85 million price tag since signing from Ajax in 2022 is an understatement.
He is Manchester United’s second most expensive signing of all time, and he flattered to deceive in his debut season.
However, his career to date has been a failure, with the winger failing to score or assist in 22 Premier League games.
His important equaliser against Liverpool yesterday could become an iconic moment, but he needs to do a lot more if he wants to be around next season.
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Amad
Another star from the spectacular 4-3 triumph over Liverpool, he has played sparingly this season due to a combination of injury and Ten Hag’s hesitation to take a chance on him.
Scoring the winner to advance your team to the FA Cup semi-finals is the ideal way to battle for a spot, but the second yellow card he received for removing his jersey means he will be out of the team again after the international break.
The winger wanted to go on loan in January to get more first-team minutes, and United may look to cash in if Ten Hag continues to ignore the Ivorian.
Amad’s red could slow his pace.
Harry Maguire has excelled this season, following a disappointing summer.
He was stripped of his captaincy and demoted to fifth-choice centre-back, but he has clawed his way back into the team with tenacity and grace.
It remains to be seen how much damage last summer did to his relationship with the club, and he will only have a year left on his contract in the summer.
United have the option to extend his contract for another year, but his £190,000-per-week salary may prompt them to sell, with West Ham intrigued.
Maguire’s salaries might be an issue.
Mason Mount
With Mount acquired under the old ownership structure for £60 million, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS may reconsider whether their investment was worthwhile.
The midfielder has suffered with injury this season, appearing only eight times in the Premier League – but he returned to the FA Cup last week.
The emergence of Kobbie Mainoo as a credible midfield option will further increase Mount’s competition for a spot, but he will most likely be allowed another season.
Mount is likely to stay.
Raphael Varane has been a valuable asset to the club since joining Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s squad in 2021.
However, injuries appear to have caught up with him this season, as he has been a much slower presence on the pitch.
Ten Hag also demoted him to fifth choice centre-back at one stage, preferring Jonny Evans and Harry Maguire, among others.
His contract expires in the summer, and United is unlikely to extend it until 2025, given that the Frenchman earns £300,000 a week.
Scott McTominay is United’s second highest scorer this season, with nine goals in all competitions.
But, paradoxically, this is an issue for United.
His love for attacking comes at the expense of United’s midfield control; while he can play deeper and tackle, his passing lacks consistency, allowing United to control games.
He had a strong season and will undoubtedly draw interest; additionally, the fact that he came via the academy means that any sale will be recorded as pure profit on United’s books.
McTominay’s academy status may cost him
Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s contract with United was renewed in January due to his strong performance.
However, as always, he has struggled with fitness at United this season.
He has appeared in 12 Premier League games and has generally performed well in them.
However, with Diogo Dalot performing admirably in his absence, United may seek a more dependable replacement in the summer.
He should also fetch some decent value because to the cushion provided by January’s contract extension.
