Manchester United are finally starting to get their heads together again and have the depth in their squad to contend with on several fronts. More additions will be needed, but it seems to be going in the right direction.
New Red Devils manager Erik ten Hag brought in six new players in the summer and they all integrated seamlessly into the squad, but this inevitably pushed other players into the background.
And in order to provide more funds for selection and reduce the wage bill, United will look to part with some players who at this point appear unnecessary.
We focus on six of them:
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
The defender was a regular starter in his first two seasons at Old Trafford under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and one of United’s most consistent players. But as time went on, the truth seemed to shine through more and more categorically that the former Crystal Palace star did not have the necessary class to be a Red Devils player. Wan-Bissaka has fallen out of favor since Ten Hag’s arrival and will be sold if a good offer is made. A return to Palace is also an option for him, which would give United the freedom to look for a new right-back.
Facundo Pellistri
Pellistri was expected to become a star for United after joining from Peñarol for £9m in October 2020. He was said to come after heavy scouting and a recommendation from Diego Forlan. But so far the hopes are not justified. Pellistri returned to the club in the summer after a second spell on loan at Alaves but never got a chance.
Uruguay coach Diego Alonso picked him up for the World Cup in Qatar despite not playing for the Red Devils, and he didn’t do too badly. However, this will not change his situation at United.
Teden Mengi
Menghi looked destined for a quick first-team breakthrough after coming out of the academy in 2019. The centre-back made his debut for the Red Devils in a Europa League clash with LASK the following August, but failed to impress and joined Darby Counties for rent. Menghi signed a new contract with United a month later but picked up an injury and his development seemed to stall. And let’s not forget that United have plenty of options for the heart of their defence. The youngster is currently injured again and United are awaiting an offer to part with him.
Donnie van de Beek
The post-Sir Alex Ferguson era has produced a number of transfer failures, and Donnie van de Beek is one of the big ones. His signing was a mystery at all, as Bruno Fernandes had already assumed the role of main creator in midfield, and the team also had Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Fred, Scott McTominay and others. It was expected that Ten Haag would try to “raise” his compatriot, but this clearly will not happen
Shola Shortire
He is the youngest player ever to play for United in European competition. The teenager made his first-team debut in a Premier League clash with Newcastle on 21 February 2021 – just a week after his 17th birthday. He then broke Norman Whiteside’s record four days later when he came off the bench in a Europa League tie against Real Sociedad. A number of Championship clubs were reportedly interested in him in the summer, but The Hague opted to keep him. However, the England youth international is still waiting for his first appearance under the Dutchman.
Brendan Williams
Williams has quickly felt the harsh nature of life at one of the continent’s most illustrious clubs since breaking into the first team in September 2019. The left-back played 37 times in all competitions in his first season and supplanted Luke Shaw, but gradually his minutes began to decline. United also strengthened with Alex Telles from Porto in October 2020, which eventually led to Williams being loaned to Norwich. The England youth international played 26 Premier League games for the Canaries, but they were relegated and he is once again at a crossroads.
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