Manchester United’s underperforming players are set to risk the wrath of supporters, by conducting a ‘lap of appreciation’ following their final home game of the season.
The Red Devils’ miserable home campaign will come to an end on Monday night, when they take on Brentford in front of an increasingly apathetic Old Trafford crowd. United have endured a fifth trophyless season on the bounce and - barring a miraculous combination of results - will finish outside the top four.
They also need to win their final three matches to avoid the ignominy of securing their lowest ever Premier League points tally, such has been the underachievement under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his interim replacement Ralf Rangnick.
Regardless of that, United’s players will conduct a lap of honour following Monday night’s game with Brentford. And ahead of what promises to be a radical overhaul of the playing squad, it could be a final goodbye to The Theatre of Dreams for many players in a United shirt. Mirror Football takes a look at which players could be waving goodbye to the club, when they wave to the near empty stands on Monday evening.
Almost certainties
Never say never in football, but for at least five players, Brentford looks set to be the final home game of their Manchester United careers and while Nemanja Matic is thus far the only individual to officially confirm his exit, more could follow.
The Serbian could have stayed for a further 12 months, but has decided this will be his final season as a United player, with a decision to make over his future. Edinson Cavani is another that looks guaranteed to be moving on, having fallen down the pecking order since Cristiano Ronaldo ’s exit.
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The decision to extend him for a further season has dramatically backfired, with a combination of injuries and loss of form keeping him out of the side. He now looks set for a return to South America where he will wind down his career.
Another player out of contract, Paul Pogba has failed to agree to an extension, despite offers which would have made him United’s highest paid player. Rangnick has hinted he may have played his final game for the club after picking up an injury and although the Frenchman has insisted “it’s not over”, it probably is.
Juan Mata was given what Roy Keane described as a “testimonial” during the draw with his old club Chelsea, his contract expires this summer and new boss Erik ten Hag is set to look to the future. Whether the Dutchman feels the same about Jesse Lingard remains to be seen however.
The England international can leave on a free in a matter of weeks, but reports have suggested that Ten Hag could offer Lingard a lifeline. But even if the new man in charge extends an arm, Lingard may now go in search of the regular football he deserves.
Likely last goodbyes
Phil Jones still has another year remaining on his contract and if United can find a suitor, there’s a strong possibility he’ll be moved on. The central defender has endured chronic injury issues but has finally appeared back in the starting line-up in recent weeks.
Another central defender that will probably be moving onto pastures new is Eric Bailly. Having signed a new contract last term, the likes of Victor Lindelof, Raphael Varane and the aforementioned Jones are all clearly above him in the pecking order.
Bailly has previously suggested he would look for “another solution” if opportunities didn’t come about and that could come into practice this summer.
Dean Henderson is another player that has fallen out of favour under the current regime, with David de Gea having long won the battle for the No.1 shirt. Having proven himself as a more than capable Premier League keeper, there would be plenty of interest if he decides to permanently leave United.
Wildcards
Ten Hag is ready to radically overhaul the playing staff and there could be some high-profile departures along the way. Recent reports have claimed the Dutchman has identified full-back as an area United will need to upgrade and Mirror Football understands Feyenoord defender Tyrell Malacai is on his radar.
That throws Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s future into doubt, having failed to ever live up to the £55million fee paid to Crystal Palace. There are suggestions the Eagles could bring him back to Selhurst Park, although United would take a major hit on their investment.
Marcus Rashford’s alarming loss of form perhaps best symbolises the struggles that have set in at the 13-time Premier League winners. Once one of the most exciting players in the country, Rashford appears bereft of confidence and is in and out of Rangnick’s starting XI. Ten Hag may be of the belief he can get him back to his best, but there are certainly question marks over whether a move could be best for all parties.
And finally, to the player who is sure to dominate Ten Hag’s first summer in charge, Cristiano Ronaldo. It feels like a lifetime since a joyous Old Trafford welcomed back the 37-year-old last year and although his individual form has been brilliant, a decision will still need to be made on his future.
The Portuguese has been by far and away United’s best player, scoring 23 goals in all competitions, but Ten Hag will have to decide whether he fits into his plans. If it is his final bow, he is one of the few players that will deserve every round of applause offered by supporters.
