Keep, Loan or Sell? Verdict on Manchester United squad ahead of summer overhaul
By Tushar Bahl
Paul Pogba
On his day, Pogba is one of the best midfielders in the league. But sadly, he goes missing far too often. He is inconsistent and there are doubts over whether he is fully committed to the cause at Manchester United. Far too often, Pogba lets the game pass him by. United have tried every thing to get the best out of him in the last three years, but it just doesn’t seem to be working.
If Real Madrid are interested and are willing to pay big money for him, then United should sell him and use that money to rebuild the squad.
Verdict: Sell if the right bid arrives
Nemanja Matic
Matic is someone who gets a lot of stick from United fans. Some of it is justified as he has at times looked way past his best this season. But some of it is also due to the fact that he is seen as symptomatic of the Mourinho era. The Serb has also struggled with injuries which have hampered him this season.
Playing him in a midfield along with someone who takes a big more responsibility defensively may help get the best out of him. His contract expires in 2020, so it makes sense to keep him and then let him go next summer if his form does not improve.
Verdict: Keep
Ander Herrera
Ander Herrera may not be the most technically gifted, but he is mad dog which is a must-have for every team. He is one of the very few leaders in this team and it is a real surprise that United are letting him depart on a free transfer.
Verdict: Expected to leave on a free transfer
Fred
For the money Manchester United spent on him, Fred has proved to be a disappointing signing. He has had a lot more bad games than good and its been tough for him to transition himself into the Premier League. United have to keep him, if only because they won’t get back much money for him.
Verdict: Keep
Scott McTominay
Like Matic, McTominay was also criticized in part because he was a symbol of the Jose Mourinho era. But he has won over fans with his performances under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. He is one of the few players who understand what it means to play for United. And he offers something both defensively and going forward.
Verdict: Keep
Andreas Pereira
Many expected Pereira to kick on and become a regular part of the team this season. That hasn’t happened though, and while there have been some bright moments, he has failed to show that he is good enough to play for the club. United took the option to extend his contract by an year, but it would make sense to put him on the market unless he is happy to stay as a fringe player.