Louis van Gaal is set to completely overhaul his Manchester United squad…
When he arrived at Manchester United, Louis van Gaal promised to give every player he had a chance to prove themselves, and now that he has done that, he is well aware of the need for a huge clear-out.
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United are improving – how could they not be having spent in excess of £150m this summer. But while they successfully brought in the likes of Angel di Maria, Radamel Falcao, Ander Herrera, Luke Shaw, Marcos Rojo and Daley Blind this summer, they failed to rid themselves of a lot of deadwood.
That will surely be a priority for the Old Trafford club as they bring themselves in line with Financial Fair Play regulations that will come into effect if and when they return to European football.
Here are 12 that could be on their way out:
Rafael
The Brazilian full-back has been one of the major villains in United’s defensive liabilities so far this season, and will surely be on his way out as soon as the club finds a suitable replacement.
Jonny Evans
This was supposed to be the season that the Irishman established himself as the club’s first choice centre half. Unfortunately, he has consistently struggled with injuries, and that combined with the development of some of United’s young defenders should prompt his exit.
Adnan Januzaj
United are desperate to keep the young midfielder, who is one of the most exceptional teenage talents in world football. However, the Belgian is yet to start a competitive game under Van Gaal, and is growing increasingly frustrated at his lack of opportunities. If things don’t change soon, he may force his own way out.
Chris Smalling
The England international has struggled to progress under Louis van Gaal, and has made several mistakes before picking up an injury that currently has him on the sidelines. Arsenal remain keen on taking the player to London.
Michael Carrick
Carrick has yet to play under Van Gaal due to injury, but the arrivals of Herrera and Blind, along with Darren Fletcher’s appointment as vice captain suggests he faces a huge battle to win back his place in midfield. Any further arrivals in January could see him leave at the end of the season.
Ashley Young
A useful back-up option for United, but with the likes of Luke Shaw, Marcos Rojo and Angel di Maria all capable of playing down the left flank, the former England international’s time at Old Trafford could be set to come to an end, allowing United to save on his big-money wages.
Robin van Persie
The Dutchman is still vital to United’s current side, and will undoubtedly see out the season. But come next summer, he will be 32-years-old, and he has show in the last 12 months that he his beginning to suffer with more than his fair share of injury issues. With United set to sign Radamel Falcao on a permanent basis, they could cash in on Van Persie.
Anderson
The reason the Brazilian has survived this long at Old Trafford is potentially down to their difficulty in finding a buyer. There is little to indicate that he will be returning to the Red Devil’s first-team picture anytime soon.
Marouane Fellaini
Has never lived up to his £30m plus transfer fee, and has struggled with injuries since the start of this season, ruling out any possibility of him playing himself into the plans of Van Gaal. Will surely leave the club in 2015.
Javier Hernandez
Sealed a loan move to Real Madrid this summer, and while a permanent move to the European Champions would come as something of a surprise, his Manchester United career does look to be over.
Tom Cleverley
Another loan player who looks unlikely to return to Old Trafford. Cleverley attracted plenty of criticism towards the end of his Manchester United career, and a permanent switch to Aston Villa could be the best move for all concerned.
Nani
Completing a trio of players currently away from the club on loan is Nani, who is back in Portugal with Sporting Lisbon. If he ever plays another game for the Red Devils it will come as a huge surprise.
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