5 players Manchester United could sell in January

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 21: Juan Mata of Manchester United celebrates victory on the pitch after The Emirates FA Cup Final match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace at Wembley Stadium on May 21, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 21: Juan Mata of Manchester United celebrates victory on the pitch after The Emirates FA Cup Final match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace at Wembley Stadium on May 21, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 21: Juan Mata of Manchester United celebrates victory on the pitch after The Emirates FA Cup Final match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace at Wembley Stadium on May 21, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 21: Juan Mata of Manchester United celebrates victory on the pitch after The Emirates FA Cup Final match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace at Wembley Stadium on May 21, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images) /

1. Juan Mata

When Jose Mourinho was named United manager, most expected Juan Mata to quickly leave the club. The conflict between the two men has been significant, and well-documented.

Whether or not you believe Mourinho is right about Mata being a luxury player, it’s pretty obvious the two aren’t going to thrive working with one another. United will certainly choose to back their new manager over their aging midfielder.

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Strangely, the Spaniard has started all three Premier League matches this season. That might convince some that Mata has a future at the club, but they shouldn’t be fooled. Mata’s lack of athleticism and work rate will be blamed as soon as United runs into a rough patch of form.

Fortunately for Mata, his play as of late has reestablished a great deal of his transfer value. If he can keep it up, he’ll have no shortage of suitors once the winter window opens.