Pranav Nair
Eight Manchester United stars set to leave Old Trafford this summer
According to the club’s official site, eight Manchester United stars are set to depart Old Trafford when their contracts expire this summer.
Of the eight, there are just two first-team players in Joel Pereira and Sergio Romero. The remaining six players are from the academy, namely Jacob Carney, Mark Helm, Iestyn Hughes, Arnau Puigmal, Max Taylor and Aliou Traore.
Of those on their way out, it can be argued that Romero is the biggest name. The Argentine has not featured for the club since falling out of favour under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer towards the end of the 2019/20 campaign.
While it may have proven to be the end of the road for some, others are set to be handed an extension. The likes of Lee Grant, Juan Mata and Paul Woolston are all currently in discussions regarding a new contract.
Of the trio, Mata remains the lone player who can lay claim to receiving decent playing time last season. The Spanish international is not getting younger but can still do a job if managed right.
Mata admitted earlier this season that he is unsure of what the future holds for him. Given that he is now in negotiations, it is fair to assume that he could stay on for another year.
It has been an emotional year for the Spaniard who lost his mother Marta Garcia. The Spaniard celebrated his goal against Wolves on the last day of the Premier League season by dedicating it to her,
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Mata has been a loyal servant to the club and has largely been consistent when given an opportunity. While he may not play much of a role on the field, his experience and know-how off it will be a massive boost for the younger players coming through.
