Paul Scholes has given a brutal assessment of which players Manchester United should remove from their current squad.
With the exception of perhaps one or two stars, the futures of the Red Devils’ entire roster is uncertain, as the club seek to navigate their new world under Ruben Amorim.
Additionally, United’s co-owners Ineos have made no secret of their desire to cut costs in an effort to improve the club’s financial position and with the January window open for another two weeks, there is expected to be a lot of activity at Old Trafford.
Scholes, who made 714 appearances for the club during his illustrious career, gave his opinion on which players he believes should be cast aside.
Many in the United dressing room will be relieved that he is not the decision-maker, as he cut as many as eight players from a recent starting XI.
Perhaps his most surprising call was to keep goalkeeper Andre Onana, who has come in for a lot for criticism since his arrival last summer and was at fault for two of Brighton’s goals in last weekend’s 3-1 defeat.
Manchester United have not made the desired improvement under Ruben Amorim, who was appointed in November
The Red Devils suffered their 10th defeat of the league campaign on Sunday and fell to 13th in the table
Paul Scholes believes that as many as eight players from United’s current squad should be sold
‘I think I’d keep him,’ he told TNT Sports. ‘I still think there’s more to come from him but for now, I’ll keep him.’
Scholes was not so forgiving when it came to summer signing Matthijs de Ligt, likewise Lisandro Martinez. As for Englishmen Luke Shaw and Mason Mount, their injury problems played a part in Scholes’ decision.
‘I really like the player, he’s just never fit. Sell.’ Scholes said of the full back, who has made just three appearances this season.
However, the former England international was very certain in his belief that United should keep two of their young stars who have been linked with moves away, as the club try to comply with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
Homegrown players are worth 100 per cent profit on a club’s balance sheet, and United are reluctantly willing to listen to offers for Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho. Mail Sport exclusively reported earlier this month that Chelsea are leading the race for the England star if he does depart.
Scholes has been vocal about his opposition to this move, telling TNT Sports last week he believes it to be a ‘ridiculous’ decision.
‘It’d be absolutely ridiculous if the club had to sell him,’ he said. ‘All the hard work that the club had to do, he’s been here since seven, eight years of age, Mainoo, and then you have to sell him for PSR rules? It’s ridiculous.
‘He’s United’s brightest spark, the leading man who could be here for the next five to 10 years.’
United’s co-owners Ineos have been on a cost-cutting crusade since their arrival just over a year ago
Scholes believes that the decision to listen offers for youngster Kobbie Mainoo is ridiculous
Naturally, the former midfielder echoed that sentiment and said the 19-year-old should stay. Garnacho, meanwhile, who was dropped by manager Ruben Amorim for last month’s Manchester derby and has struggled to win back his place since, barely made Scholes’ cut.
There was no such kindness afforded to Antony, Joshua Zirkzee, Casemiro or Marcus Rashford, who looks increasingly likely to remain with the club this month despite attempts from both club and player to end their unhappy marriage.
Rashford’s representatives spoke to Barcelona director Deco on Tuesday as the Catalans compete with Borussia Dortmund to sign him on loan until the end of the season.
Mail Sport reported earlier this month that Barca have held meetings with Rashford’s entourage, with several European clubs tracking the wantaway forward.
Barcelona are understood to have always been Rashford’s preference but given his £350,000-per-week wages, they would need to negotiate over the financial burden of a loan deal.
And further talks have now taken place between Rashford’s representatives and officials from the Catalan club, which included sporting director Deco.
The talks were held in Lisbon, with Barcelona in Champions League action in the Portuguese city on Tuesday night against Benfica.
However, the club acknowledged their pursuit is currently stuck due to not having the salary space required to register Rashford should they be able to strike a deal with Man United.
Barcelona are reportedly hopeful they can offload Eric Garcia to ease their financial constraints, while Ansu Fati could also depart to free up space for Rashford, who is viewed as his replacement.
