A fresh beginning is approaching for Manchester United, and with additions like Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo to reinforce the offensive options, Ruben Amiroim should have plenty to anticipate with the players at his disposal. Although, there is a substantial amount of progress still to be achieved. Marcus Rashford is supposedly heading toward Barcelona, there are rumblings that Alejandro Garnacho might depart, and even though United managed to reach the Europa League title match last season, that barely offsets a low placement of 15th in the league standings, with a staggering 18 defeats.
Almost nothing proceeded favorably for the Red Devils in the prior season. Yet, now that they need solely to concentrate on a singular tournament, guided by a dependable head coach for the entirety of the campaign, an opportunity to rectify matters will present itself. A considerable quantity of effort must be invested, but specific elements about United provide grounds for encouragement as the season approaches.
Consequently, what actions should be taken concerning the players presently on the roster? Should their services be retained, or should they be transferred to another club? Let’s examine this topic further.
Manchester United: Retain or Release?
GK — Andre Onana (29)
Andre Onana is truly a contradictory custodian. He assesses as merely competent when juxtaposed against other Premier League netminders, but the variance between his most exceptional and most underwhelming showings is considerable. When performing optimally, Onana ranks among the foremost shot-stoppers within the league. However, on other instances, he introduces an element of unreliability. His cause isn’t facilitated by a perpetually fluctuating defensive alignment. There are greater issues at United than Onana, but should an entity express interest in acquiring his services, parting ways represents a valid option.
Verdict: Sell
DEF — Leny Yoro (19)
Arriving from Lille burdened with considerable anticipation, injuries hindered Leny Yoro’s capacity to execute a fluid integration into the squad. Not that the prevailing disarray within United aided his situation. Nevertheless, as the campaign drew to a close, the latent capabilities of the central defender became apparent. Adept at distributing the ball and possessing notable mobility as a defender, it is evident that with increased playing time, Yoro has the potential to develop into a robust Premier League defender. However, the manner in which the defense is structured around him will prove pivotal.
Verdict: Keep
DEF — Lisandro Martinez (27)
Exhibiting the traits of a completely distinct defender at the club and international levels, Martinez could realistically be regarded as the preeminent pure defender present within the United roster. Sadly, his availability at peak physical condition is infrequent. Establishing a definitive determination pertaining to this Red Devils defender proves to be rather arduous. Should the club resolve to implement comprehensive reforms, pursuing a transaction involving Martinez constitutes a conceivable course of action. However, such a move would be inadvisable whilst concurrently endeavoring to secure victories. Herein lies the predominant predicament afflicting United: the organization ostensibly necessitates dismantlement and reconstruction. However, in the absence of such radical intervention, retaining Martinez assumes paramount importance.
Verdict: Keep
DEF — Matthijs de Ligt (25)
The Dutch defender manifestly possesses prospects for further refinement. Yet, there remains a prevailing sentiment that the procurement of Matthijs de Ligt was predicated predominantly upon his established rapport with the previous team manager, Erik ten Hag. Consequently, his role under Ruben Amorim appears somewhat ambiguous concerning integration into the tactical framework. De Ligt manifests a formidable presence during set-piece scenarios. However, this singular asset fails to justify his continued inclusion within an already congested squad.
Verdict: Sell
DEF — Harry Maguire (32)
Over the course of United’s Europa League endeavor, Harry Maguire demonstrably emerged as an indispensable contributor to the team’s collective efficacy. Notwithstanding the elevated acquisition cost that accompanied his arrival at United, Maguire has effectively embraced leadership responsibilities within the squad. Moreover, he has successfully propelled the team forward, thereby cementing his position within a contingent characterized by an increasingly youthful demographic.
Verdict: Keep
DEF — Patrick Dorgu (20)
An intriguing wing-back, Partick Dorgu, may potentially reap considerable benefits from engagement in a comprehensive preseason regimen alongside the ensemble. The incorporation of dynamic wing-backs facilitates the operational dynamics inherent within Amorim’s tactical approach. Moreover, given Dorgu’s proficiencies in both offensive and defensive facets, he is poised to assume a pivotal function in the forthcoming season. The successful execution of a developmental progression at the age of 20 remains of critical importance, particularly in ensuring United’s re-emergence within the European competitive sphere.
Verdict: Keep
DEF — Luke Shaw (30)
The versatility he demonstrates favors his inclusion within the setup, enabling United to maintain the optimal condition of other defenders via rotations. Luke Shaw can still offer considerable worth as a squad member, notwithstanding his prior propensity for injury. Furthermore, Shaw has the capacity to execute deliveries of superior quality during set-piece situations, in conjunction with furnishing astute veteran leadership.
Verdict: Keep
DEF — Diogo Dalot (26)
Distinguished by notable offensive capabilities, yet concurrently necessitating developmental refinements on the defensive front, Diogo Dalot’s prospects are contingent upon Amorim’s intended utilization of Amad. In the event that Cunha and Mbeumo impel the young midfielder into a wing-back role, Dalot would ostensibly become surplus to requirements, given the existence of alternative personnel capable of effectively discharging corresponding duties.
Verdict: Amorim to figure out positioning
DEF — Noussair Mazraoui (27)
Sharing a comparable attribute with Shaw, Noussair Mazraoui similarly possesses the advantageous capacity to operate proficiently in either an outside-back or center-back capacity. This characteristic consequently positions him ahead of Dalot in the positional hierarchy, while simultaneously affording Amorim augmented flexibility elsewhere within the team construct. Were United endeavoring to secure a title, this particular position could potentially constitute an area meriting enhancement. However, in light of the existing circumstances, Mazraoui remains an acceptable option.
Verdict: Keep
MID — Manuel Ugarte (24)
As an individual who exhibited notable involvement in the Europa League campaign, Manuel Ugarte has undeniably flourished under Amorim’s tutelage. Taking into consideration Casemiro’s advanced years, coupled with the financial resources expended to acquire Ugarte, it becomes imperative to afford him a more extensive duration to substantiate his capabilities. Conversely, should he fail to demonstrate discernible advancement throughout the current season, a decision to facilitate his departure becomes increasingly warranted.
Verdict: Keep
MID — Casemiro (33)
Notwithstanding anticipations of his imminent departure, Casemiro persisted in his contributions to the Red Devils. Analogous to a substantial proportion of the team, his performances manifested more favorably during Europa League engagements as opposed to Premier League contests. This divergence constitutes an aspect that Amorim must successfully address throughout a prolonged competitive timeframe, whilst concurrently according Casemiro appropriate recuperative periods to ensure his sustained viability throughout the season. The proficient management of his workload assumes paramount importance. Nevertheless, as things currently stand, United cannot afford to relinquish the Brazilian.
Verdict: Keep
MID — Kobbie Mainoo (20)
Kobbie Mainoo, who represents one of the principal cornerstones upon which the team is being constructed, will assume the role of an “x-factor” for United during the current season. He distinguishes himself as a player possessing the aptitude to effectively advance the ball, whilst concurrently executing incisive passes to his attacking colleagues. Augmenting his repertoire with enhanced shooting prowess would undoubtedly enhance Mainoo’s overall efficacy. However, with an augmented complement of attacking personnel at his disposal, he will likely be less frequently compelled to assume direct offensive responsibility during the current season, thus fostering enhanced equilibrium within the team dynamics.
Verdict: Keep
MID — Bruno Fernandes (30)
As United’s talismanic figure, the Red Devils could conceivably have encountered relegation during the preceding season in the absence of Bruno Fernandes’s influence. Alleviating the burdens placed upon him during the current campaign will prove immensely valuable, thereby obviating the excessive reliance on the Portuguese midfielder to consistently deliver exceptional performances. Structuring the midfield construct around Fernandes and Mainoo constitutes one of the more straightforward strategic decisions incumbent upon Amorim this season.
Verdict: Keep
MID — Mason Mount (26)
A considerable span of time has elapsed since Mason Mount last functioned as an indispensable component of the Chelsea squad. Moreover, given the recurring prevalence of significant injuries in each season, he joins the ranks of United personnel whose robustness remains questionable from a reliability perspective. Mount did evince a modest resurgence under Amorim’s guidance, yet rendering a definitive commitment to his continued utilization presents a precarious prospect.
Verdict: Sell
FWD — Alejandro Garnacho (21)
A conclusive determination has already been enacted to permit Alejandro Garnacho’s departure. Whilst the circumstances transpiring behind closed doors remain beyond the scope of external observation, the cumulative effect of events has seemingly persuaded Amorim that Garnacho constitutes a surplus element, particularly given the concurrent acquisition of additional attacking resources within his designated position.
Verdict: Sell
FWD — Amad Diallo (23)
As another pivotal contributor to Manchester United under Amorim’s stewardship, Amad Diallo will indubitably remain within the organization. Although the determination of his optimal positioning remains a consideration, his inherent adaptability confers a tangible advantage upon the Red Devils. Having concluded the preceding season with appreciable momentum, he will now strive to capitalize upon this foundation, aspiring to attain the upper echelons of Premier League performers.
Verdict: Keep
FWD — Antony (25)
Mirroring the situation pertaining to Garnacho, a corresponding determination has been reached concerning the disposition of Antony. The Red Devils have gleaned an adequate understanding of his capabilities within the Premier League, rendering it improbable that a commendable loan stint with Real Betis would substantially alter this perception.
Verdict: Sell
FWD — Rasmus Hojlund (22)
Despite amassing a mere four goals in Premier League competition throughout the preceding season, there remains a prevailing sense that Hojlund possesses the potential to offer more substantive contributions. Historically, his efficacy has increased when surrounded by fellow attacking players, demonstrating an aptitude for converting limited opportunities into tangible scoring outcomes. This scenario is anticipated to materialize during the current season. Analogous to Ugarte, this forthcoming season assumes critical importance for the Danish striker. Whilst indications suggest United may entertain offers for his services contingent upon the offer’s financial merit, prematurely relinquishing his latent talent appears ill-advised.
Verdict: Keep
FWD — Joshua Zirkzee (24)
Corresponding to Hojlund, Joshua Zirkzee experienced a comparatively underwhelming season throughout the previous campaign. Contrasting with Hojlund, Zirkzee does not inherently embody the traits of a quintessential number nine, which is a positional archetype United presently requires. When deployed to optimal effect in a role situated behind a designated striker, a tactical configuration United now potentially boasts three or four options capable of fulfilling, he progressively transitions into a dispensable component. Why United initially elected to integrate him into the squad remains enigmatic.
Verdict: Sell
