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The summer transfer window opens on Wednesday, and many expect it to be an active period of change at Manchester United. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has made it clear he needs reinforcements, but he may not receive all of the desired additions to his squad without removing deadwood.
Last Friday, Premier League clubs submitted their released and retained lists, including United.
The Red Devils have released eight players this year, including Europa League-winning goalkeeper Sergio Romero.
Lee Grant and Juan Mata’s contracts expire at the end of June, but the club is actively discussing new contracts with the duo.
In terms of other outgoings, there are several United first-team stars who Solskjaer could offload this summer to increase funds for transfer targets.
Express Sport look at five players the Premier League runner-ups could sell ahead of the 2020/21 season.
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Phil Jones
If there already hasn’t been the ideal time for Phil Jones to depart Old Trafford, it’s most definitely this summer.
The former England international’s value won’t be high, but after failing to feature once throughout 20/21, United need to get him off the wage bill.
Despite his unrelenting injury issues and prolonged absences in recent years, there is reported Premier League interest in Jones.
As the saying goes, every little helps, and clearing the 29-year-old’s presence from the wage bill could go a long way.
Nemanja Matic
Since Jose Mourinho brought Nemanja Matic to Old Trafford in 2017, the towering Serb has been an excellent servant to the club.
After making just 12 Premier League starts this season, though, it’s clear he’s low down in Solskjaer’s midfield pecking order.
With United reportedly targeting a new central midfielder this summer, it makes sense to be a straight swap for Matic.
Mourinho is reportedly looking to take him to Roma, but if not, a departure is an avenue to go down in the coming months.
Andreas Pereira
Andreas Pereira was deemed surplus to requirements last summer and subsequently shipped off to Lazio on loan.
However, his stint in Italy didn’t go as planned as he was used as a rotation option and made just three Serie A starts all season.
It’s pretty certain he won’t be in Solskjaer’s plans next term, so United will likely be looking to secure a permanent move for him this summer.
Given he’s still just 25, the Reds could secure a respectable fee for his services, and hopefully, another of the club’s products can go and enjoy a successful career elsewhere.
Jesse Lingard
During his short loan at West Ham United this season, Jesse Lingard proved that he can still operate at Premier League level.
The 28-year-old attacker is probably United’s most valuable asset likely to leave this summer.
With Bruno Fernandes still at the club and Jadon Sancho expected to arrive, Lingard’s chances of game time at Old Trafford next season will be even more minimal.
With the Academy graduate out of Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2020, his future could be settled soon.
In turn, Lingard’s imminent exit should boost Solskjaer’s funds further and simultaneously allow him to continue impressing in the top-flight.
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