Karan Chopra
In the world of football, it is impossible to keep everyone happy and such a case is currently prevalent at Manchester United.
Following the captures of Zlatan Ibrahimović, Paul Pogba, Eric Bailly and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, it has become increasingly clear that many first-team regulars under Louis van Gaal have had to accept a reduced role at the club. The first three Premier League games of the season saw manager Jose Mourinho stick to the same crop of players with subsequent EFL Cup and Europa League duties prompting the Portuguese boss to make a raft of changes to accommodate everyone.
Despite having a vast squad to choose from, United and their supporters might feel some players would be better off moving to pastures new come January. Be it a loan deal or a permanent transfer, it is believed a spell away from Old Trafford will benefit both parties, knowing that regular game time is no longer a given for them.
Here are three players that United may consider loaning out/selling in January:
1. Marcos Rojo:
The Argentinian signed for United from Sporting Lisbon in the summer of 2014. Despite his intent to stay at the club for the foreseeable future and make inroads, Rojo has looked anything but convincing on the pitch. His three outings for the club, two of them in the Europa League have drawn widespread criticism from the club’s supporters. His failure to hold off wingers on his flank and contribute precious little in higher areas of the pitch have proved fatal in his chances to play in the Premier League and Mourinho’s preference of Daley Blind as Luke Shaw’s deputy at left-back may push him to explore new avenues this winter.
2. Phil Jones:
Now viewed as more of a liability than an asset, Jones has been out of the side for nine months. Having fallen down the pecking order to colleagues Chris Smalling and Eric Bailly, it is hard to see him returning to the first-team action anytime soon, even when fit. Reported interest from Stoke City in the summer failed to gain any momentum and his current predicament at the club may provide the Potters renewed hope this January. In the scheme of things, this may not even be the worst move for United.
3. Memphis Depay:
The 22-year-old joined United from PSV Eindhoven in the summer of 2015 and scored a delightful brace in a match-winning performance against Club Brugge in the Champions League. Since that eventful night, Depay’s career has nosedived and a meagre total of 2 goals from 31 league appearances, many of which were from the bench represents a poor return on investment made by the club. Under Jose Mourinho, his position at the club has been weakened further and with Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard preferred to him in the Premier League, it is hard to see him lasting much longer at Old Trafford. His potential remains vast and a loan spell away from the club may be a good option for now. AC Milan have reportedly shown interest in the Dutch winger and may help reinvigorate Depay’s stagnated career.
