As a new season approaches for Manchester United, manager Ruben Amorim has reasons for optimism, particularly with new attacking talents like Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo joining the squad. Yet, significant work remains. Marcus Rashford appears set for Barcelona, and Alejandro Garnacho might also be departing. While United reached the Europa League final last season, this achievement doesn`t overshadow their disappointing 15th-place league finish, marked by a staggering 18 losses.
The previous season was largely underwhelming for the Red Devils. However, with the focus now solely on one competition and a stable managerial presence for the entire campaign, there`s a clear opportunity for improvement. While considerable work lies ahead, certain aspects of United`s setup offer promise as the new season draws near.
This raises the crucial question: what decisions should be made regarding the current squad? Which players should be retained, and which should be sold? Let`s delve into the analysis.
- Manchester United: Keep or Sell Player Analysis
- GK — Andre Onana (29)
- DEF — Leny Yoro (19)
- DEF — Lisandro Martinez (27)
- DEF — Matthijs de Ligt (25)
- DEF — Harry Maguire (32)
- DEF — Patrick Dorgu (20)
- DEF — Luke Shaw (30)
- DEF — Diogo Dalot (26)
- DEF — Noussair Mazraoui (27)
- MID — Manuel Ugarte (24)
- MID — Casemiro (33)
- MID — Kobbie Mainoo (20)
- MID — Bruno Fernandes (30)
- MID — Mason Mount (26)
- FWD — Alejandro Garnacho (21)
- FWD — Amad Diallo (23)
- FWD — Antony (25)
- FWD — Rasmus Hojlund (22)
- FWD — Joshua Zirkzee (24)
Manchester United: Keep or Sell Player Analysis
GK — Andre Onana (29)
Andre Onana presents a conundrum in goal. While his overall performance ranks as average among Premier League keepers, the disparity between his peak and weakest displays is striking. On good days, Onana is a top-tier shot-stopper, but on others, he can be a significant liability. Although a perpetually changing defense doesn`t help his case, and United faces larger structural issues, offloading Onana would be a sensible move if a suitable buyer emerges.
Verdict: Sell
DEF — Leny Yoro (19)
Leny Yoro arrived from Lille with considerable anticipation. While injuries hindered his smooth integration into the club (a process not aided by United`s general instability), the young center-back began to show his promise by the season`s end. Adept with the ball and a mobile defender, Yoro clearly possesses the potential to become a robust Premier League defender with more playing time, provided the defensive setup around him is optimized.
Verdict: Keep
DEF — Lisandro Martinez (27)
Lisandro Martinez exhibits a stark difference in performance between club and country. He might be Manchester United`s finest pure defender, yet his persistent injury issues frequently prevent him from demonstrating his full capabilities. This makes him one of the most challenging players for the Red Devils to assess. While a complete squad overhaul might justify his departure, it`s not feasible if the team simultaneously aims for victories. This dilemma highlights a fundamental issue for United: the club ideally needs a comprehensive rebuild, but if that`s not the path, Martinez is essential to retain.
Verdict: Keep
DEF — Matthijs de Ligt (25)
While the Dutch defender still has room for development, it appears Matthijs de Ligt was primarily acquired due to his prior connection with former manager Erik ten Hag. This leaves his role under Ruben Amorim uncertain regarding how he fits into the squad. De Ligt offers a strong presence during set pieces, but this attribute alone is insufficient to justify his retention in an already crowded defensive lineup.
Verdict: Sell
DEF — Harry Maguire (32)
During Manchester United`s Europa League campaign, Harry Maguire demonstrated his indispensability to the squad. Although his transfer fee might have been excessive, Maguire`s ability to assume leadership roles and drive the team forward secures his position within an increasingly youthful squad.
Verdict: Keep
DEF — Patrick Dorgu (20)
Patrick Dorgu, an exciting wing-back, stands to gain significantly from a full pre-season with the squad. Wing-backs are crucial to Amorim`s system, and given Dorgu`s strength in both offensive and defensive play, he is poised for a considerable role this upcoming season. His development at 20 years old will be pivotal in ensuring United`s return to European competition.
Verdict: Keep
DEF — Luke Shaw (30)
Luke Shaw`s versatility is a significant asset, enabling Manchester United to rotate and keep other defenders fresh. Despite his injury history, he remains a valuable squad member. Shaw also provides quality deliveries from set-pieces and contributes important veteran leadership.
Verdict: Keep
DEF — Diogo Dalot (26)
Diogo Dalot excels offensively but still needs to refine his defensive game. His future at the club hinges on Ruben Amorim`s plans for Amad Diallo. Should new signings Cunha and Mbeumo push the young midfielder into a wing-back position, Dalot might become redundant, as other players could adequately cover his role.
Verdict: Amorim to determine positioning
DEF — Noussair Mazraoui (27)
Similar to Shaw, Noussair Mazraoui benefits from his versatility, capable of playing both as a full-back and a center-back. This places him above Dalot in the pecking order and offers Amorim tactical flexibility elsewhere. While Manchester United might seek an upgrade in this area if they were title contenders, Mazraoui is perfectly adequate for their current standing.
Verdict: Keep
MID — Manuel Ugarte (24)
Manuel Ugarte, who also impressed during the Europa League campaign, has seemingly improved under Ruben Amorim. Given Casemiro`s age and the significant investment in Ugarte, he warrants more time to prove his worth. Nevertheless, if he doesn`t make a significant stride forward this season, it might be time to consider his departure.
Verdict: Keep
MID — Casemiro (33)
Despite expectations of his departure, Casemiro continued to perform for the Red Devils. Similar to many teammates, his form was more consistent in the Europa League than in the Premier League. Ruben Amorim must now translate that level of performance to longer domestic competitions while also ensuring Casemiro receives adequate rest throughout the season. Player management will be crucial, but currently, Manchester United cannot afford to lose the Brazilian midfielder.
Verdict: Keep
MID — Kobbie Mainoo (20)
Kobbie Mainoo, recognized as a crucial foundational player, is set to be a significant “x-factor” for Manchester United this season. He demonstrates an impressive ability to progress the ball effortlessly and deliver precise passes to his attackers. While adding shooting to his repertoire is necessary, the presence of more attacking options around him means he won`t be solely reliant on it this season, contributing to better overall team balance.
Verdict: Keep
MID — Bruno Fernandes (30)
Bruno Fernandes, United`s undisputed talisman, arguably saved the Red Devils from relegation last season. Acquiring additional support this season will be vital to alleviate the immense pressure on the Portuguese midfielder. Nevertheless, constructing the midfield around the partnership of Fernandes and Mainoo presents one of Ruben Amorim`s most straightforward decisions for the upcoming campaign.
Verdict: Keep
MID — Mason Mount (26)
It has been a considerable period since Mason Mount was a pivotal player for Chelsea. Now, plagued by significant injuries each season, he appears to be another Manchester United player whose fitness cannot be consistently relied upon. While Mount did experience a brief resurgence under Ruben Amorim, banking on his long-term availability remains a challenge.
Verdict: Sell
FWD — Alejandro Garnacho (21)
The decision to allow Alejandro Garnacho to depart has reportedly already been made. While the internal specifics remain unknown, it appears that, despite Garnacho`s evident talent, circumstances have led Ruben Amorim to deem him surplus to requirements, particularly with new attackers joining in his position.
Verdict: Sell
FWD — Amad Diallo (23)
Amad Diallo, identified as another key player for Manchester United under Ruben Amorim, is set to remain at the club. While he needs a defined role, his versatility is a significant asset for the Red Devils. Having finished last season strongly, he will now aim to build upon that momentum and strive to become one of the Premier League`s top performers.
Verdict: Keep
FWD — Antony (25)
Similar to Garnacho, the decision to move on from Antony has reportedly already been made. Manchester United has seen enough of his performances in the Premier League, and even a strong loan spell with Real Betis is unlikely to alter that stance.
Verdict: Sell
FWD — Rasmus Hojlund (22)
Despite scoring only four Premier League goals last season, there`s a strong sense that Rasmus Hojlund can offer more. In previous setups, when supported by other attackers, he demonstrated the ability to convert limited opportunities into goals—a scenario that should be replicated this upcoming season. Similar to Ugarte, this is a crucial season for the Danish striker. While rumors hint at United being open to selling him for the right price, it`s prematurely to abandon faith in his potential.
Verdict: Keep
FWD — Joshua Zirkzee (24)
Similar to Hojlund, Joshua Zirkzee also had a disappointing season last campaign. However, unlike Hojlund, Zirkzee isn`t a true number nine, which is precisely what Manchester United currently requires. He performs optimally when playing behind a central striker, and with United now having three or four players in comparable roles, he is increasingly becoming surplus to requirements. It`s perplexing why United acquired him in the first place.
Verdict: Sell
