Manchester United's hierarchy, INEOS, must oversee a major clear-out of the playing squad, with Express Sport identifying 12 players who should be sold, starting with Diogo Dalot. The call comes as the club battles to maintain its Premier League status following a disastrous start to the campaign.
The Red Devils have secured only one victory in 10 league matches since the start of the season, leaving them in the relegation zone heading into the second international break. This is deemed totally unacceptable for a club of United's stature, with most of the blame falling on the club's hierarchy, although the players have not covered themselves in glory either.
A Squad in Need of a Significant Rebuild
Aside from a regime change, which is not arriving any time soon, a significant rebuild in the dressing room is needed for United to stand any chance of returning to former glories. Express Sport has looked at 12 players who must be sold, starting with the one supporters love to hate.
Diogo Dalot is singled out first. It is noted that it is not through a lack of effort, but the Portuguese defender is simply not good enough for United. It is described as astonishing that he has managed to play 260 games when it was clear upon his arrival in 2018 that he was not up to the level. The article suggests he should have been sold years ago, but better late than never.
Defensive Departures on the Cards
Lisandro Martinez is also named. He is described as a good player on his day, but those days are not anywhere near often enough. Most of the time, he is a liability at the back and has not been able to back up his incendiary media comments in recent weeks. A clean break would be best for all parties at the end of the season.
Noussair Mazraoui is another on the chopping block. He is described as a jack of several trades, but a master of none. While he can play in either full-back position, he has not shown enough to suggest he can do it at the level required for United since arriving at Old Trafford two years ago.
Long-Serving Players Facing the Exit
Luke Shaw, the club's longest-serving player, is also highlighted. He is rarely fit and does not exactly pull up any trees when he does play. Flashes of quality are visible on occasion, but that is just not enough for United. He will be out of contract at the end of the season, and there is little reason to extend it.
Harry Maguire completes the list. He has emerged as a symbol of United's decline since joining the Red Devils in 2019. Now aged 33, he is well past his prime and will not be getting any better as he continues to get older. He needs to go if United want to make progress.
