Manchester United should axe Antony, Jadon Sancho, Christian Eriksen and Harry Maguire this summer, feels Rio Ferdinand
Former England international Rio Ferdinand has named the four Manchester United players he would sell this summer, if he were at the helm of his former club.
A busy summer of transfer ins and outs for the Red Devils is expected, as INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe appear set to make changes to the squad that royally underperformed last season. The 20-time English champions finished eighth on the table—their worst-ever season in the Premier League era.
Several first-team players have been linked with an exit, with French duo Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial already confirming their departures. Ahead of what could be a very important transfer window from Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS’ perspective, Rio Ferdinand has revealed the four players he would get rid of.
In a game of ‘Keep or Sell’ with the Daily Mail, the legendary Manchester United centre-back admits it is time for the likes of Harry Maguire, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Christian Eriksen to go this summer. In addition, he would like to have a conversation with Marcus Rashford before deciding what his next move should be.
“I’d need to find out where his head’s at, what he wants to do. What’s been the reasons for the downturn in performances. If I get the right answer I keep him, if I don’t like what I hear I let him go,” Ferdinand shared his thoughts on Rashford in an interview with the Daily Mail.
The ex-footballer-turned-pundit also weighed in on the returning Mason Greenwood, who has been heavily linked with a move to Juventus in recent weeks.
“I’d need a conversation with him as well. See where his head’s at. Find out the temperature around the club. I’d probably have communication with the supporters’ groups as well. I think it’s a real club decision rather than a single person’s decision,” he opined on Greenwood.
Erik ten Hag and INEOS have some huge decisions to make on the futures of several players. Sancho spent the last season on loan, and after publicly falling out with Ten Hag last September, it would be wise to offload him permanently before the 2024/25 season commences.
Antony’s big-money transfer from Ajax hasn’t worked out and Man United must cut their losses on him this year, while the ageing Eriksen should be cashed in after entering the final year of his contract.
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Maguire endured an injury-hit season at Old Trafford, but when fit, he produced some solid displays at the heart of Man United’s defence. Having released Varane at the end of last season, the club could opt to keep the England international due to his experience and leadership skills.
