Manchester United have already enjoyed a successful first season under the stewardship of Erik ten Hag.
The Red Devils have managed to secure the Carabao Cup, whilst they are still in the FA Cup, Europa League and are on course for a place in next season’s Champions League, while holding an outside chance of the title. One intriguing backdrop to all of that has been the ownership circumstances of the club after the Glazers opened the door to a potential sale.
No deal has gone through as of yet, with concerns that the much-maligned Americans could actually end up staying. That would likely see Ten Hag be forced to be creative in the transfer market once more as he bids to with Financial Fair Play rules, with a number of players potentially set to exit to generate funds in the near future.
Mirror Football takes a look at those who could be sold between now and the start of next season.
Harry Maguire
Still captain at Old Trafford, the England star has endured a frustrating season at OId Trafford. He has fallen down the pecking order under Ten Hag following the summer arrival of Lisandro Martinez - the Argentine forging an excellent understanding with Raphael Varane.
That has led to Maguire making just nine starts in all competitions this term. It appears highly unlikely that the Red Devils will be able to recoup the record fee that they spent to bring Maguire in from Leicester in 2019 but he could still command a decent chunk of cash should he be moved on.
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Aaron Wan-Bissaka
From one expensive defender to another now, Aaron Wan-Bissaka was signed for £50m from Crystal Palace in the same summer that Maguire arrived. He was first-choice across his first two seasons at Old Trafford but has seen opportunities dry up over the following couple of campaigns.
Diogo Dalot was preferred to the 25-year-old and it appeared a certainty that Wan-Bissaka would be moved on in the summer. Since then, he has managed to force himself back into Ten Hag’s thinking and has impressed.
He still has a decent sale value though, and it might be a logical decision to move him on should the Red Devils need some cash.
Brandon Williams
The last of a trio of three English defenders, the academy graduate is some way down the pecking order at Man United. Following an uninspiring loan spell with Norwich City last season, he has been afforded just one appearance for the Red Devils this term.
That came in the form of a five-minute cameo in the Carabao Cup. With Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia preferred, it would surely be a good decision for all if Williams moved on from Old Trafford this summer.
Donny van de Beek
Signed from Ajax in 2020 following a brilliant spell with the Dutch side, midfielder Donny van de Beek has failed to match those displays at Old Trafford. A poor first season was followed by a second campaign in which he was sent out on loan to Everton.
He returned to Man Utd this summer and was expected to flourish under his former Ajax boss Ten Hag. That has not transpired though with Van de Beek making just four starts before his season was cruelly cut short by a serious knee injury.
For the sake of his stalling career, it might be best for Van de Beek to seek pastures new sooner rather than later.
Anthony Martial
Whilst Anthony Martial ’s ability has never been in question - the Frenchman’s struggles to find consistency have long seen him struggle to forge a role as the Red Devils’ starting striker. The 27-year-old joined Spanish side Sevilla on-loan last season but has seen his Old Trafford return hampered by injury.
Despite still putting together a relatively respectable goal record - six goals in 14 appearances in all competitions - Martial has just over a year remaining on his Man Utd contract so could be moved on permanently.
Alex Telles
Currently in a similar position to fellow left-back Brandon Williams, the Brazilian is some way down the pecking order. The former Porto star joined Sevilla on a season-long loan but injury problems have limited his contributions in Andalusia.
His contract is set to run until the summer of 2024 so he could be primed for a permanent exit in just a few months’ time.
Eric Bailly
Another in a long line of players that has struggled for fitness as a Man Utd player, the Ivorian was actually first choice under Jose Mourinho but that appears a long time ago now. He had not made more than 13 Premier League appearances in any of the last three seasons before joining French side Marseille on loan in the summer.
The Ligue 1 outfit are obligated to make the move permanent should certain conditions be met. It remains to be seen whether that comes to fruition after Bailly’s ban for a sickening red card in the French Cup.
