ERIK TEN HAG’S Manchester United side took a massive step in the right direction with last week’s 4-3 FA Cup quarter-final victory over rivals Liverpool.
It comes at a time when Erik ten Hag has pleaded for patience from fans and pundits alike with Manchester United sitting sixth in the Premier League.
United started the game with an intensity rarely seen this season and Ten Hag said he hopes the result “could be that moment” that the club’s fortunes turn around.
One notable thing about the performance was how previously criticised or so far unused stars stepped up to keep United in the cup – with goals from Antony and Amad.
But no one’s future is guaranteed following Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s minority investment in Manchester United, and he will no doubt be keen to stamp his mark on the team.
Here’s seven stars that could leave as he plots a huge overhaul at Old Trafford…
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Antony
To say the winger has struggled to justify his £85million price-tag since arriving from Ajax in 2022 is an understatement.
He is the second most expensive Manchester United signing of all time, and flattered to deceive in his first season.
But his campaign up until now has been a disaster, with the winger not registering a goal or an assist in 22 Premier League appearances.
His crucial equaliser against Liverpool yesterday could prove to be an iconic moment – but he has much more to do if he’s to stay around next season.
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Amad
Another hero from the brilliant 4-3 victory over Liverpool, he has rarely featured this season due to a mix of injuries and Ten Hag’s unwillingness to take a risk on him.
Scoring the winner to take your side to the FA Cup semi-final is the perfect way to fight for your place – but the second yellow he received for taking off his shirt off means he’ll be out the team again after the international break.
The winger wanted to leave on loan in January to gain more first-team minutes and United may look to cash in if Ten Hag continues not to play the Ivorian.
Harry Maguire
Maguire has done brilliantly this season after being humiliated over the summer.
He was stripped of the captaincy, and dropped to fifth choice centre-back, but has fought his way back into the team with a combination of grit and grace.
How much damage last summer has done in terms of his relations with the club remains to be seen, and he only has a year remaining on his contract come the summer.
United have the option to extend by another year but his £190,000-a-week wages could see them sell, with West Ham being interested.
Mason Mount
With Mount being brought in under the previous ownership structure for £60million, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS may take a look at whether that investment has been worth it.
The midfielder has struggled with injury this season, playing just eight times in the Premier League – but he did return in the FA Cup last week.
The emergence of Kobbie Mainoo as a viable midfield option will only add to the competition for a place for Mount – but in all likelihood he’ll at least be given another season.
Raphael Varane
Varane has been a brilliant servant for the club when fit since he was brought in by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 2021.
But injuries appear to have caught up with him this season and he has been a notably slower presence on the pitch.
Ten Hag also dropped him to fifth choice centre-back at one point due to preferring Jonny Evans and Harry Maguire among others.
His contract is up in the summer and it is unlikely United will take up the extension until 2025 due to the Frenchman earning £300k-a-week.
Scott McTominay
McTominay is United’s second top scorer this season with nine goals in all competitions.
But paradoxically, that is a problem for United.
His fondness for attacking comes at the expense of United having control in the midfield – while he can play deeper and tackle, his passing lacks the consistency to allow United to control games.
He’s had a good season and will no doubt attract interest, plus, the fact he came through the academy means a sale will be listed as pure profit on United’s books.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
United opted to renew Wan-Bissaka’s contract in January after an impressive run of form.
But, as always, he has struggled for fitness at United this season.
He’s featured in 12 Premier League games and generally been impressive in those.
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But with Diogo Dalot deputising well in his absence, United may look to someone more reliable in the summer.
With the buffer of January’s contract extension, he should fetch some decent value too.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
