One issue that can harm a team’s morale is having too many players at the club that can’t see a future there.

At Manchester United, Jose Mourinho still has too much deadwood in his squad. It would be better for all involved if he can cut loose these players and allow them the opportunity to star away from Old Trafford.

Here are the players that I’d imagine will be available if the right offer comes in during the January transfer window.

Bastian Schweinsteiger

The German World Cup winner is too good to be rotting away in United’s reserves. The trouble is that the midfielder doesn’t look fit enough to make a valuable contribution for the majority of a season in England.

It was nice to see Schweinsteiger get a run out against West Ham this week but while I think Jose admires his determination to play for United I still don’t think he’ll use him enough when push comes to shove.

That could see the former Bayern Munich man move in the winter, with MLS side Chicago Fire still eyeing up a move.

By moving him on it would free up a good wage and remove a distraction that comes when you drop a World Cup winner.

Morgan Schneiderlin

After three successful seasons in the Premier League with Southampton, French internationalist Morgan Schneiderlin seemed destined for great things at Old Trafford.

But things haven’t gone to plan for the defensive minded middle-man and he’s often looked out of his depth at the ‘Red Devils’.

Firstly Louis van Gaal didn’t seem convinced and now Mourinho rarely uses Schneiderlin. So far this term he’s only seen eleven minutes of football in the league and he was subbed off at half-time in his side’s 2-1 defeat to Fenerbahce in the Europa League.

It doesn’t seem to even be under consideration that Morgan could partner compatriot Paul Pogba in United’s midfield. The fact that Jose even selected a frozen out Schweinsteiger ahead of Schneiderlin in the League Cup this week, shows how far the Frenchman has dropped down the peking order.

Maybe he’s just one of the decent players that isn’t quite ‘Top Four’ standard. A move to Everton or WBA could rejuvenate his career.

Memphis Depay

The Dutch winger had a bright start to his Man Utd career last term but he soon found himself struggling to gain a spot in the starting eleven.

He hasn’t managed to replicate the fine form he showed in his final season at PSV. His uninspiring performances have seen the likes of Wayne Rooney, Anthony Martial, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata, Marcus Rashford, Henrikh Mikhitaryan and even Ashley Young ahead of him for a starting berth.

Having made only one start (in the League Cup), it’s clear that Jose doesn’t see enough in Depay to merit more first team football. Memphis probably needs a new start elsewhere to show his true worth.

Ronald Koeman has made no secret he’d like to bring the winger to Goodison.

Matteo Darmian

I actually like the Italian full-back but it seems to me that the current United manager isn’t a huge fan!

He has been used more recently but has that been more due to necessity rather than Mourinho wanting to use the former Tornio man?

If he isn’t going to be a first choice full-back then it would probably be better to sell and get most of your money back as he’ll be wanted back in Serie A. Then Jose can bring in his own man.

Marcos Rojo

Another player that’s seen more first team football lately but I’m still not convinced that Rojo’s capable of consistent performances worthy of a team wanting to challenge for a title.

When every defender is fit then I doubt the Argentine figures in Mourinho’s starting team plans. There’s also speculation that the Portuguese boss wants to bring in another centre-back and that would see Marcos fall further out of the picture.

The defender seems eager enough but he hasn’t proven himself on the park thus far. With Leverkusen supposedly looking at Rojo, maybe it’s best for all concerned that he departs next month.

Posted on December 2nd, 2016 by scott
Filed under: Article