Manchester United have been told they need to get rid of nine players as part of a huge summer clear-out.
United face a pivotal summer as they look to pick up the pieces following what has been an underwhelming season. They intend to have a new permanent manager in place before the transfer window opens, with Erik ten Hag now the club’s preferred candidate.
Whoever is appointed will face a huge task. United have been beset by issues on and off the pitch all season, and a raft of players look set to leave at the end of the campaign.
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The likes of Paul Pogba, Edinson Cavani, Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard could all be on their way out, while Marcus Rashford is considering his future at Old Trafford. Cristiano Ronaldo’s position is also uncertain, amid suggestions he could leave just a year after returning to the club.
Darren Bent argues a summer clear-out could be just what United need this summer. The former Tottenham striker named a long list of players he feels United should let go.
“The ones you keep are [David] De Gea, you keep [Raphael] Varane. You need a new right-back, I think,” Bent told talkSPORT.
“I don’t think [Scott] McTominay is good enough but he’s own of your own. Building-wise? Nope.
“I think Fred is a weird one because you have to say he’s been one in the last few weeks who has gone, 'you know what? I’m up for this'. But I guess if you’re trying to start against and build a successful side, he might have to go.
“You keep [Jadon] Sancho. [Cristiano] Ronaldo has got to go. [Edinson] Cavani has got to go. [Anthony] Martial has got to go.
“[Marcus] Rashford is the one where, if the new manager fancies him, there’s something there. If he can get that best out of him then you keep him because he’s young.
“[Paul] Pogba is going to go anyway, he’s on a free at the end of the season. If Manchester United have got any kind of aspirations [he should go]. I love Pogba as a player, I really do, but Manchester United fans are becoming sick of saying, ‘we’re waiting for that consistency', so he’d have to go.”
Bent went on to name nine United players he believes the club should move on, with Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire also included. When asked how far away United are from challenging for the Premier League title again, Bent replied: “They are miles away. I said five years the other day but it could even be more like eight years.”
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