2023/24 squad assessment
United's 2023/24 season is over.
There have been dramatic highs, most notably the FA Cup victory over Liverpool, with Diallo's late, late winner arguably resulting in Klopp's farewell tour taking a decidedly downward dip.
The Hojlund inspired run through February offered hope. Mainoo scored a world class solo effort to gain 3 points away to Wolves, Garnacho was flying and the three of them seemed super tight on the field and off. Their iconic celebration in the 3-0 home win against West Ham was a real feel good moment. And we're in an FA Cup final. Although I think everyone is a little worried about that prospect, rather than being excited!
But largely, the 2023/24 season has been one of immense frustration; with injuries, performances and ultimately results.
With 'news' breaking that virtually the whole squad is up for sale. I've taken a look at who United should;
- Keep
- Sell if possible
- Sell with no questions asked/no regrets
- And who is leaving/out of contract
Keep
Fernandes - The captain. Bruno's running, assists and goals have carried this team at times. If only we could build a midfield and forward line to help him!
Martinez - United (at least from the outside) grossly mis-managed Martinez' comeback from injury this season. When fully fit, the Argentine brings grit, steel and soul to our defence. A born winner, we need Lisandro fully fit for the 2024/25 season.
Shaw - United are a much better team when Luke Shaw is playing. He can carry the ball out of defence and link well with our attack. We've missed him badly. Shaw, if fit, will be in the prime of his career.
Mainoo - A promising starlet who must be protected and supported. A new contract is waiting in the wings for Mainoo who only turned 19 in April. United need to build the depth of quality in midfield to ensure Mainoo can be rested at times.
Hojlund - Hojlund has shown he can score goals from everywhere, whether driving from the halfway line, from the edge of the box or with a poachers instinct in the 6-yard box. The lack of service to the young Dane is something that needs to be fixed urgently. United desperately need quality back-up.
Onana - A mixed first season! Mistakes, howlers and some incredible saves. Onana is here to stay and I sincerely hope that he has a settled back 4 in front of him next season.
Mount - There is definitely a player there. Hopefully we'll get to see that!
Dalot - One of the shining lights in a dark, dark season, Dalot can defend, attack and offers versatility.
Garnacho - A superstar in the making. Pacey, direct, creative and resilient. Garnacho always wants the ball and offers a vital outlet to this team.
Maguire - Credit where credit is due. Harry Maguire has dug deep this season to bounce back from an exceptionally low place. His contract is up in summer 2025, so Maguire may choose to run that down. I wouldn't blame him and if United are potentially losing 3 centre backs in Varane, Lindelof and Evans this summer, keeping Maguire would be a sensible option.
Diallo - Diallo's contract is up in 2025. I like the look of him and would keep him as a squad player and impact sub, but his future at United is probably questionable.
Kambwala - From the little we have seen of Kambwala, he looks a player. Good attitude, strong in the tackle and up for the fight. He should be rewarded with a new contract in the summer, especially due to the departure of a number of central defenders.
Malacia - Out for the whole season, Malacia will be a squad player who could push for a first team place if given a chance. I enjoyed his performances in the 2022/23 season, full of running, positivity and playing with a smile on his face.
Bayindir - Back up keeper. I have no idea if he is any good or not!
Sell if possible
Antony - Quite simply, Antony isn't good enough. I think anyone who has played football to any level can see the limitations to his game. Antony would probably be brilliant at 5-a-sides. But he doesn't create many chances (not great for Hojlund or anyone), loses possession at critical times and rarely scores. United will have to accept a huge loss if we can find anyone interested.
Casemiro - Casemiro won hearts in his debut season with United. Despite missing multiple games through suspension/injury. Like Martinez, he brought a winning mentality to the team. Casermiro wouldn't be the first player I would show the door to, but I do worry that he doesn't have the legs for the pace of the English Premier League. If an offer came in, I'd be tempted to take it.
Rashford - I never thought I'd have Rashford down under 'sell if possible'. Rashford's performances on the field and his politics off it resulted in me (in my mid-40's) buying my first United top in a decade or so and getting his name and number on the back! I'd love to see Marcus playing with a smile on his face, with a buzz and with goals. His elite level performances in 2022/23 showed how good he can be. The drop off this season has been immensely disappointing. I know Rashford lost a family member and he may well have been carrying injuries at times, but when United have really needed on the field leadership, he hasn't been there. And we really needed him. United are paying Rashford megabucks as a result of the aforementioned elite performances and need to see a return. Could PSG come in for him? If we can get good money then, as much as I hate to say it, perhaps it is time to part ways. But I hope he stays. If United can return to challenging for the league and getting to the later stages of the Champions League, then I want Marcus in there.
Wan-Bissaka - I imagine that Wan-Bissaka might be considering running his contract down. It expires in 2025. Personally, I don't think we should offer him a new deal, so we either try to sell him or let him run it down. Wan-Bissaka is a decent player, but a move away is likely to be in his and United's best interest.
McTominay - McTominay could stay at United as a squad player, or he could go to another club and be virtually guaranteed first team football every week. His goals and performances for club and country will likely result in an offer or two coming in this summer.
Sell - no questions asked / no regrets afterwards
van de Beek - I was excited when United signed van de Beek. I'd watched Ajax a lot in the previous seasons Champions League and loved his style of play. It's simply not worked out for him and he has wasted years of his career. Whether it's the pace and physicality of English football, or possibly the size of United that has overwhelmed him, United should accept what they can and move on. Still only 27, I hope Donny can find a club where he plays regularly and rebuilds his confidence.
Greenwood - Anyone who has heard the recording that resulted in United suspending Greenwood from the club should understand why United must sell Greenwood. The club has values and standards and must adhere to them. Greenwood has had a successful loan spell out in Spain and I imagine he'll do well for whoever he signs for.
Sancho - This guy has no backbone, no work-rate and has to go down as one of United's most disappointing signings of all time. The talent is there. We've seen it in glimpses, most notably his goal against Liverpool. But any team has to carry a player like Sancho. He doesn't have the consistency that would allow for that. His mentality is also not good enough.
Eriksen - I adore Eriksen as a football player. He is pure, totally gets the game. Signing him on a free was an absolute no-brainer. The Dane's contract is up in summer 2025 and United should accept a nominal fee to allow Eriksen to go and play regular football somewhere. He has the potential to be central to how a team plays football. Sadly, we missed Eriksen in a red shirt at his peak.
Lindelof - If Lindelof is happy to be a bit part player then he could well stay and see out his contract which expires in the summer of 2025. However, he is good enough to do a job for a lot of clubs and must be on the radar of a few. Turning 30 in the summer, Lindelof still has years of football in him and he must consider how often he wants to play.
Mejbri - I think there is a player in there, but we're not going to see him get a run of games at United. Has to move on. Currently on loan at Sevilla, they are unlikely to take up their option to buy.
Pellestri - I think Pellestri deserved more minutes under Ten Hag. I certainly think he could have offered the team more than Antony. On loan at Granada, a permanent move to Spain would suit the young wingers style of play.
Fernandez - Likely to be joning Benfica at the end of his current loan spell. An excellent move for him and I think he will do well.
Leaving / out of contract
Martial - goodbye and good riddance. What an incredible waste of money and time on this guy.
Varane - still a class player, but on astronomical wages and should be leaving at the end of the season.
Amrabat - on loan, hasn't worked for him or the club.
Evans - Evans has been one of our best players this season. Should be offered a role at the club.
Heaton - Out of contract, 38-years old and might still have a season or two in him down the leagues.
Williams - A promising youngster, Williams has had a number of loan spells and displayed moments of promise and frustrating spells of inconsistency.
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