The blame for United’s worst ever Premier League Season will go down in the history books as being down to Moyes and his lack of experience at the highest level, however, the season has also revealed the state of the current playing staff to be very much in need of a massive re-shuffle. Here we take a look at each squad member, will they have a chance at redemption or will they be shown the door?
David De Gea, 23 – IN
No doubt that the future Spanish number one will remain at Old Trafford. Has improved so much since joining, and has had to with the abject performers in front of him.
Anders Lindegaard, 30 – OUT
Last season Lindegaard looked as though he may be able to take his position as the number one, but De Gea has made the position his own. Lindegaard is a solid goalkeeper at mid-table level, and may fancy going elsewhere for game time.
Rafael, 23 – IN
Despite being linked with a move away from Old Trafford, Rafael is a solid right back who is good going forward and has a massive future for both United and Brazil.
Evra, 32 – OUT
He’s had a decent career, but he has been found out countless times defensively in huge games at critical points. With Luke Shaw arriving, it’s time for Evra to go.
Phil Jones, 22 – IN
He isn’t yet a John Terry or Nemanja figure, and he might never be, but at 22 there’s no chance that Phil Jones will be allowed to leave. He needs to find a level of consistency and needs to play at centre back. Not midfield, not right back.
Rio Ferdinand, 35 – OUT
He was a Rolls Royce of a defender for years, maybe until he was about 32, but injuries have made him weak and he has lost any pace he ever had. He should finish up or go elsewhere next season.
Jonny Evans, 26 – IN
Jury is still out, he was good in patches this season. Indeed for a period he and Phil Jones looked great together, but needs to really stamp his authority on what will be a young back four next season.
Chris Smalling, 22 – IN
Smalling isn’t ever going to be first choice, but the fact that he can do a decent job at right back and central defence means he will be kept. Sloppy a lot this year. Needs to massively improve.
Nani, 27 – OUT
Despite being handed a five year deal before the season started, Nani has missed most of it through injury. He has showed so much potential at times, but never done it on a consistent basis. He’ll go.
Juan Mata, 26 – IN
Mata is a great player. Took him a while to settle in but there’s every chance that under the new manager the side will be sculpted around him. And that wouldn’t be a bad thing.
Wayne Rooney, 28 – IN
Obviously won’t be going anywhere. Will become the highest goa lscorer ever for both United and England before his career is done. Only player that the fans can rely on to give everything in every game.
Robin Van Persie, 31 – IN
Without a doubt he would have left the club if Moyes had remained. But with Van Gaal to come in, Van Persie will be a massive player next year if he comes back form the World Cup unscathed.
Tom Cleverley, 24 – OUT
Won’t stay. Plays sideways. It’s obvious that at least two, or even three central midfielders have to be brought in. He will be the first one out of the door. 5 goals in 78 appearances. There’s no future for Cleverley as a United player.
Ryan Giggs, 40 – OUT
Giggs can’t stay on as a player now. He is still unbelievable compared to most, but as the physical demands of the game increase, it’s impossible to ask a 40 year old to be able to compete with those 20 years his junior. Best United player of all time.
Javier Hernandez, 23 – OUT
Hernandez is a difficult one. He won’t ever be first choice while Rooney and Van Persie are around, and he is caught offside far too much. But he is a lethal finisher on his day and if he goes to Tottenham as expected, he will notch 20+ goals next season, and good luck to him.
Danny Welbeck, 23 – OUT
Welbeck has claimed already that he wants to leave. This despite the fact that he has been there since he was a boy. Admittedly this was under Moyes, but his inconsistency and lackadaisical approach to finishing will mean that he will never be first choice for a club like United. May be best served going elsewhere.
Michael Carrick, 32 – OUT
Carrick has always been a favourite. He doesn’t score but if you look at United’s goals over the last 6 or 7 seasons, half of them will start with Carrick. But, it’s time for a new dynamic. Carrick has to go.
Darren Fletcher, 30 – IN
Fletcher will stay. Another player who gives his all regardless. Never shirks his responsibilities. Has been through so much, was integral to the CR7 years as every fan will acknowledge. He is an inspiration.
Ashley Young, 28 – OUT
It’s difficult to understand why he was bought in the first place. Never really has had an end product. Was vilified at Euro 2012 for England and his confidence has never really recovered. Needs to be moved on.
Antonio Valencia, 28 –IN
Again like Young he seems to have suffered with confidence issues this year, but he is useful as a replacement at right back, and he has undoubted ability to put a decent ball in.
Shinji Kagawa, 23 – IN
So young still, such a promising player. United would be insane to let him go. He never got a look in really under Moyes, but he has real natural ability on the ball and if he worked on his strength, he could be a massive player over the next 5 years for United.
Alex Buttner, 23 – IN
Probably won’t be let go simply because of his age. He is similar to Evra in that going forward you can’t argue with him, but positionally at the back he is way off from being United class.
Marouane Fellaini, 26 – OUT
To allow Moyes to buy him was utter madness. Not a player that deserves to stay. Had plenty of chances to prove himself but really brought nothing to the table. Time for both parties to cut their losses and send him back to Everton.
Adnan Januzaj, 19 – IN
The future of the club. That is all.
