Manchester United boss Michael Carrick has not acted on Paul Scholes' advice this transfer window. United hero Scholes previously instructed his former team-mate to sell eight players this summer, but only one of those named looks set to leave Old Trafford.
Carrick's Squad Reshaping
After being handed the United job permanently in May, Carrick has begun reshaping his squad. Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos have arrived as part of a midfield rebuild following Casemiro's exit, whilst experienced goalkeeper Karl Darlow has come in as back-up to Senne Lammens.
However, United are yet to sanction a notable departure. In April, a few months into Carrick's spell as interim boss, Scholes named eight players he believed the Reds should sell in the summer to help the club compete for major honours. We take a look at how they are all getting on.
Zirkzee's Imminent Exit
Joshua Zirkzee was among the players that Scholes tipped for a move away and the forward is nearing a return to Italy, two years after signing from Bologna. Italian publication La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Zirkzee is open to joining Juventus, who are targeting a loan deal with an option to buy.
Scholes and Carrick were United team-mates for seven seasons, clocking up 159 appearances together. Yet, whilst the iconic midfielder's recommendation to offload Zirkzee may come to fruition, the other seven stars named by Scholes could all remain part of United's squad next season.
Defensive Overhaul Advice
The 51-year-old pundit emphasised the need for United to overhaul their defence. Speaking on The Good, The Bad and The Football podcast, Scholes said of Leny Yoro: "I think he's struggled, me. I think there's something in there, I think he needs a bit of time, but if you had to make a choice now, I'd probably sell him."
He added that the switch from ex-manager Ruben Amorim's back-three formation would have a knock-on effect for Noussair Mazraoui. When discussing the Morocco international, he said: "Sell. I don't know where he fits in. He's been like a right-sided centre-half and they don't play with three centre-halves anymore. I think it's probably time to let him go now."
Mazraoui has been linked with a move away from the club, but he currently remains part of Carrick's side. Young defender Yoro has also spoken about wanting to step up at United next term.
Maguire and Full-Backs
Alas, Scholes further believed it was the right time to part ways with Harry Maguire, who continues to have a key role at United. He said: "I'm thinking about a Manchester United team you want to win the league and the Champions League and that's where United should be aiming. I'm not sure you'd do that with Maguire."
United have held an interest in Newcastle United full-back Lewis Hall during the transfer window. Scholes also wanted the club to sell long-serving left-back Luke Shaw due to doubts about his reliability, despite him having played every Premier League game last season. He was also willing to offload Patrick Dorgu.
On Dorgu, Scholes said: "They brought him in as a wing-back and he's not really played much there. I'd probably sell. I'm not sure what position he is. Again, if you keep him then he's just a squad player."
Midfield and Final Verdict
Moving into midfield, Scholes believed that Manuel Ugarte would leave and the Uruguayan was linked with a departure before suffering an injury at the World Cup. Mason Mount was also included on Scholes' eight-man list, but the England international has impressed during pre-season.
So, of the eight players Scholes suggested be sold, only Zirkzee looks set to make an imminent exit. There is little movement regarding all seven of Yoro, Mazraoui, Shaw, Dorgu, Mount, Ugarte and Maguire.
