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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Tom Victor

Man Utd keep or sell: How Red Devils squad could look in 2022-23 amid big name exits

Manchester United's final home game of the 2021-22 season may have been the last for a number of the Red Devils' squad members.

United beat Brentford in their last Old Trafford outing of the campaign, with Bruno Fernandes, Cristiano Ronaldo and Raphael Varane on target.

After the game, the squad had a lap of honour to show their appreciation for the supporters, and for some players it might have been the last time they got the chance to do so.

New manager Erik ten Hag is likely to want to add to his squad over the summer, and that means we'll see some departures to go along with the arrivals. Here, Mirror Football looks at the Red Devils senior players and decides whether United should keep them or let them leave.

Goalkeepers

David de Gea - As worrying as things have been for United this season, they could have been even worse without their number one keeper - KEEP

Dean Henderson - This might be out of the club's hands if Henderson decides he needs to leave for first-team football ahead of the World Cup, but it would be a mistake to let him leave - KEEP

Defenders

Victor Lindelof - United will need defensive investment in the summer, but they'll also need depth. As long as Lindelof is happy to be a third or fourth choice centre-back, he's worth hanging onto - KEEP

Eric Bailly - Convincing Bailly of his importance to the team will be tough after this season, and he could probably benefit from a change of scenery - SELL

Who should Man Utd offload this summer? Have your say in the comments section

Bailly hasn't played for United since the turn of the year (REUTERS)

Phil Jones - Jones' return to the fold this season hasn't been enough to suggest there's a longer-term future for him - SELL

Harry Maguire - It will depend on Ten Hag's preferences, but there's plenty to suggest a change in the dugout can help the captain get back to his best - KEEP

Raphael Varane - One of the few defensive bright spots, despite his injury issues - KEEP

Diogo Dalot - Seems to be the better long-term prospect of United's two right-backs, but United will need to invest in competition for him - KEEP, BUT NOT AS FIRST-CHOICE

Luke Shaw - Hasn't been as impressive as he was in 2020-21, but still a solid option - KEEP

Alex Telles - His audition in Shaw's absence hasn't gone to plan, with plenty of defensive question-marks remaining, so it could be time to go - SELL

Telles has looked unconvincing during his first-team run (Getty Images)

Brandon Williams - An option as cover on either flank and a homegrown talent. Might benefit from another loan after his stint at Norwich - KEEP, BUT MAYBE LOAN OUT

Aaron Wan-Bissaka - It's hard to see a place for him, but United will be keen to recoup some of the £50m fee - SELL IF THE PRICE IS RIGHT

Midfielders

Paul Pogba - It's increasingly looking like a clean break is the only solution for a player who has flattered to deceive since his club-record move - ALLOW TO LEAVE

Juan Mata - Mata's by no means a first choice, but it could still be handy to keep him around as a senior player capable of helping the younger squad members transition to a new era - KEEP

Jesse Lingard - Ever since he was misled by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Lingard's exit has felt inevitable - ALLOW TO LEAVE

Lingard has made just four starts all season (REUTERS)

Andreas Pereira - A permanent exit to Flamengo is no longer the apparent certainty it once was, but it's still hard to see a future for the Brazilian at Old Trafford - SELL

Fred - One of the most-improved players under Rangnick, Fred can still play a part under Ten Hag - KEEP

Bruno Fernandes - Selling the Portugal star would be unthinkable, despite his goal tally dropping off a little this term - KEEP

Nemanja Matic - The former Chelsea man has already confirmed his plans to leave, and an olive branch in the form of first-team minutes has come too late - ALLOW TO LEAVE

Donny van de Beek - It's worth seeing what Van de Beek can do under the man who unlocked his potential at Ajax, even if it's just for half a season - KEEP

Scott McTominay - McTominay's energy and commitment can make him a valuable squad member, but he perhaps shouldn't be a regular starter next season without more improvement - KEEP, BUT NOT AS FIRST-CHOICE

Forwards

Cristiano Ronaldo - As important as Ronaldo has been this season, questions need to be asked over whether Ten Hag wants a player who would only realistically be around for one year. If reports of a Real Madrid return are accompanied by a chance to recoup and rebuild, the new boss could well make a big early call - SELL

Top scorer Ronaldo has been linked with a move away (REUTERS)

Anthony Martial - An easier decision, with Martial's future almost certainly lying elsewhere, though there's no guarantee loan employers Sevilla would pony up the required fee - SELL

Marcus Rashford - It's been a tough season for Rashford, but he's still young and deserves a chance to show the new manager what he can do after a proper pre-season - KEEP

Edinson Cavani - It seems to be too late to keep hold of Cavani, with the damage done in the early part of the season, but a move towards a younger squad may well have been Ten Hag's plan regardless - ALLOW TO LEAVE

Jadon Sancho - Sancho feels like the kind of player who can really thrive under the new boss, and he'll be keen to step up after a difficult bedding-in period - KEEP

Anthony Elanga - A no-brainer after his development under Rangnick. Elanga is already showing his value to the team, despite only turning 20 in April - KEEP

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