Manchester United’s grand plans for a lavish summer revamp have been vastly altered by their failure to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
Defeat by Premier League rivals Tottenham – who will line up among Europe’s elite in their stead – leaves the Red Devils’ hierarchy with a headache even the strongest migraine medication would fail to address.
The club, once a leader on and off the field, is a shadow of its former self, with a mountain of issues in dire need of attention. Perhaps the most pressing is the playing squad, which has shown itself woefully inadequate to compete in today’s Premier League.
United could finish as low as 17th – their worst league position since they were relegated from the top flight in 1974. Failure to qualify for the Champions League and pocket the £100million on offer does not postpone the mammoth overhaul needed to an ageing and overpriced squad.
In fact, it only necessitates the move and makes its success crucial to the short-term future of the club.
Ahead of one of the most important summers in United’s recent history, CHRIS SUTTON gives his view on which of the current squad should stay and who should be shown the door at Old Trafford.
Man United suffered defeat in the final of the Europa League, scuppering their summer plans
Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his associates must find a way to revamp the squad without the funds from European football
GOALKEEPERS
Andre Onana
We know what Nemanja Matic would do, after saying he was one of the worst keepers in United’s history, but there are other positions to prioritise. Keep
Altay Bayindir
Unless you can find an obvious upgrade it’s easier to keep him as a back-up. Keep
DEFENDERS
Victor Lindelof
His contract expires at the end of this season, so United won’t be scrambling around for a fee. Not Amorim’s type, clearly. Get Rid
Harry Maguire
United need leaders and Maguire is one of those. He won’t win the 100 metres, but you need figureheads when the club is a mess. Keep
Lisandro Martinez
Sidelined since February with an ACL injury, but versatile and aggressive enough to keep around. Keep
Andre Onana has faced major criticism since his arrival from Inter Milan last summer but he has also made some crucial stops
Harry Maguire stepped up when United needed him in the latter stages of the Europa League
Matthijs de Ligt
If I had to choose between keeping him or Maguire, it’s a no contest. Doesn’t bring what’s required to the back line. Get Rid
Jonny Evans
Good pro in the past. Now too old. Out of contract this summer. Next. Get Rid
Leny Yoro
A 19-year-old worth keeping and developing. Comes across as mature for his age. Keep
Luke Shaw
I’d biff him off now, not least because of his injury record. I like him as a player when fit, but it’s time to part ways. Get Rid
Noussair Mazraoui
Better defensively than he is in an attacking sense but worth keeping after making more appearances this season than before in his career. Keep
Luke Shaw looked a shadow of his former self against Tottenham after being a surprise starter
Diogo Dalot
You need to keep the odd player who isn’t fantastic but can come in and do a job, and Dalot’s versatility is important. Keep
Tyrell Malacia
United sent him out on loan. If you’re not good enough to get into this team, you’ve got issues. Get Rid
Patrick Dorgu
Bought for £25million, so I’ll say keep to see if he can develop. He’s only 20, after all. Keep
MIDFIELDERS
Manuel Ugarte
Not impressed by him, not for a fee that could hit £50.8m. Could United recoup close to that? Well, that’s not my problem! Get Rid
Kobbie Mainoo
I’d keep him and hope he shows why he should start. He could outlast Amorim and the next boss might fancy him more. Keep
Casemiro
His legs are shot. Yes, he’s got experience in abundance. But he cannot keep up in this system or at this level. Get Rid
Christian Eriksen
As above. Eriksen’s days have gone and United won’t have to scramble around for a buyer as he’s out of contract this summer. Get Rid
Mason Mount, who has missed a lot of football through injury, struggled to compete with Spurs’ combative midfield
Bruno Fernandes had one of his worst performances in the final but he was been incredible for much of the season
Mason Mount
I’d move him on if I could get a fee, but I’ve got to keep some midfielders, don’t I? Still young enough to have a future. Keep
Bruno Fernandes
United’s best player, their driving force and someone whose back must be aching from some of the carrying he’s been doing. Obviously, they need to make sure he stays where he is. Keep
FORWARDS
Amad Diallo
A breath of fresh air. He gave Destiny Udogie a hard time in the final. He’s going to get better, too, so United need to keep him. That’s a no-brainer. Keep
Alejandro Garnacho
I didn’t understand the reluctance to throw him into the final. He can be frustrating but has something about him. Keep
Antony
Sent on loan to Real Betis and, while he’s found his feet there and is set to star in the Conference League final, United could do with selling him. Get Rid
Alejandro Garnacho looks set to depart Old Trafford this summer after clashing with his coach
Antony has been reborn since leaving the Red Devils on loan for Real Betis this January
Jadon Sancho
Word is Chelsea may not keep him after his loan. He isn’t for United and United isn’t for him. A divorce is better for both parties. Get Rid
Marcus Rashford
A motivated Marcus is worth keeping. He’s shown at Aston Villa he can still be an attacker worth having. United have problems scoring goals. Time to kiss and make up. Keep
Joshua Zirkzee
United want to get to the top of the Premier League and into the Champions League. Is Zirkzee a player who gets you there? Not for me, he isn’t. Get Rid
Rasmus Hojlund
I don’t think he has that striker quality required for the Premier League. Hard worker but not the source of goals they desperately need. Get Rid
Rasmus Hojlund has had a nightmare campaign and would almost certainly benefit from time away from the spotlight
Man United bosses have thrown their support by Ruben Amorim, despite his invitation for the club to remove him
MANAGER
Ruben Amorim
Amorim doesn’t adapt, and he says he never will. To make his time with United a success, he needs to be backed with players who suit his style.
The issue is I don’t know how much they’ve got to spend. United are now penny pinchers and, besides, will big players want to go there? But I’d keep Amorim, as long as they help him. Keep
