“When you purchase other players you get another stimulus in the group and you need that. Our selection is out of balance and we have managed to be fourth in the league but we have to manage to be the champions. So it shall be a rough summer I think for a lot of players.”
Louis van Gaal
With the season drawing rapidly to a close thoughts turn to the summer transfer market; the nation’s back-pages are filled with little but speculation about just where Van Gaal will spend a reported £150 million summer transfer budget. However, much as was the case last summer, when United sold, released or loaned 15 players, a significant proportion of United’s business will involve the Old Trafford exit. It’ll be a lonely walk for some, including a clutch of big-name players. Rant assesses just who might be having a “rough summer” among Van Gaal’s squad. David de Gea not included.
Radamel Falcao
Anders Lindegaard
Rafael da Silva
Javier Hernandez
It has not been an easy season for Chichario in Madrid, although a burst of goals towards the end of the campaign has brought the Mexican some cheer. Yet, Hernandez has spent much of the campaign on the bench, just as he did under Moyes last year. Strange that the Scot reportedly refused to use Hernandez as bait to lure Gareth Bale from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2013. Back at Old Trafford Chicho will be granted few opportunities by Van Gaal – a manager who routinely seeks out more rounded strikers. Chance of departure: 9/10. Fee if sold: £8-10 million.
Nani
Jonny Evans
There was a time when one Rant Cast co-host claimed Evans to be “among the top five central defenders in the world.” No, we couldn’t understand it either. Still, everybody is allowed the odd mistake! The trouble with Evans is that it’s almost every game and, at 27, the Northern Irishman is no longer the inexperienced kid returning from a loan spell at Sunderland full of hope. Evans is an ‘honest’ player, in that ridiculous parlance of English football, and there’s no brook with the player’s effort or attitude. Yet, there has always been the nagging feeling that he was never quite good enough to represent United. After a season in which injury, poor form and an unfortunate suspension have hit the player hard a move might well revitalise his career. Chance of departure: 7/10. Fee if sold: £8-10 million.
Robin van Persie
Angel di Maria
… and the notable kids
Nick Powell
Powell has struggled to adapt to United’s standards despite enjoying a fine loan spell at Wigan Athletic in 2013/14. Deployed as a forward at Crewe Alexandra, Powell’s natural position might be in an attacking midfield role, although the youngster’s use of the ball is not always up to scratch. He is likely to be offered a chance to rebuild elsewhere this summer. Chance of departure: 7/10. Fee if sold: £1-2 million.
Adnan Januzaj
There is so much talent in the Belgian’s dancing feet that United has lost a significant attacking force this season in Januzaj’s absence. In part, Van Gaal simply doesn’t trust the youngster yet; in part the player has failed to adapt. Mostly the Januzaj simply didn’t fit in his manager’s system. In the 4-3-3 formation Van Gaal is planning for next season Januzaj might flourish, but with confidence shot a move away on loan may be a sensible path forward for all. Chance of departure: 7/10. Fee if sold: loan.
Tyler Blackett
Blackett enjoyed an unexpected rise to the first team before Christmas, although has rarely featured in the subsequent months. United’s probable purchase of an international-standard experienced central defender in the summer is likely to cut Blackett’s chances further. Another for whom a loan may well be a beneficial move. Chance of departure: 6/10. Fee if sold: loan.
Patrick McNair
The Irishman’s composure in central defence and determination at full-back may well mean that Van Gaal is reluctant to let McNair leave on loan during the summer, although his chances may be infrequent unless injury continues to strike United’s senior defenders. Chance of departure: 4/10. Fee if sold: loan.
James Wilson
The striker has featured in 16 games – 12 as sub – scoring two goals for Van Gaal’s side this season. It has not quite been the breakthrough campaign many expected for the lightening quick forward. Wilson’s United future depends on whether either of Van Persie of Falcao remains at the club, and where the club chooses to spend on a new forward this summer. A loan away is possible even if Van Gaal was reluctant to sanction it this season. Chance of departure: 4/10. Fee if sold: loan.
you accidentally put “million” after RVPs fee
Don’t forget Tom Cleverley.
Couldn’t even bother to include him. He’ll never return to the club.
Cleverley is or will be a Free Agent come July
Hi Ed, wasn’t ‘that volley’ against villa?
first time commenter here,love the pod,keep up the good work.cheers!
TC23!!!!
Angelo Henriquez?
James Wilson due a loan
While agreeing with your choices the ruthlessness of LVG might include a name no one expects.
8 to 10m for Evans? Doesn’t he have only a year left to go on his contract?
Punk not dead
Good post, can see McNair being the only one in contention of a starting spot from the young defenders next season.
Perhaps an unexpected departure could be Fellaini. Probably not.
Just my wishful thinking, though I live in hope.
Fellaini, Valencia, Young to stay ? Who’d have thunk it !
Given his poor season in 2013/14 who would have thought that Michael Carrick would become so important this season.
United’s results 2014/15 when Carrick has been in the side,
played 18
won 13
drawn 4
lost 1 (away to City when down to 10 men).
A full season of that form would be worth 90 points.
United needs to find the next Carrick from somewhere.
Even if UTD sign Schweini, Gundogan and Pogba, none of them would play the game in “the Carrick way”.
When MC16 was signed to “replace” Keane-o, it was widely scoffed that he wasn’t the right kind of “replacement”. As it turned out, he was a different player and brought different qualities to the team.
The only contemporary player who seems to be a comparable player to Michael Carrick is Biscuits and he’s never going to leave Barcelona – well, maybe if UTD offer the same kind of wages that Raheem’s agent says wouldn’t attract his player but, short of 900K/week, Busquets is about as solidly entrenched in Barcelona as any player since he’s a second-generation guy.
UTD are so much more composed with Carrick in the side.
There is a rhythm and purpose with him in the side.
Used to be like that with Scholes in his later years as well.
Performances of the team really dipped when Carrick was injured…