The players Manchester United should look to SELL and who they must KEEP at the club | OneFootball

With Ruben Amorim having officially taken charge of Manchester United, much has been said about the quality of the squad in which the Portuguese is inheriting.

After Erik ten Hag’s sacking two weeks ago, United were quick to source Amorim as the Dutchman’s replacement, with the former Sporting coach arriving this international break ahead of the Premier League’s return next week.

With the January transfer window just around the corner, who do the Red Devils need to offload and who should they keep? Here is our verdict…

Andre Onana – KEEP

The Cameroonian did not have the finest first season in English football. Coming in as David De Gea’s replacement, Onana was scrutinised for his high-profile mistakes, but this season he has shown more consistency and currently leads the race for the golden glove.

Altay Bayindir – SELL

Selling the Turkish international might seem like an odd decision, but he is too good to sit on United’s bench. Brought in as the clear number two to Onana, Bayindir is finding opportunities hard to come by in Manchester, with the former Fenerbahce goalkeeper failing to even start the Red Devils’ domestic and European matches.

Tom Heaton – KEEP

Not much to be said here. Heaton is never going to play unless United suffer an injury crisis in goal. Still an accomplished goalkeeper, the former Burnley stopper’s experience will be crucial for the younger goalkeepers breaking through.

Matthijs De Ligt – KEEP

Brought in this summer, De Ligt was touted to be one of the best defenders in the world during his time at Ajax, but after spells at Bayern Munich and Juventus, it has not quite worked out. Still only 25, the Dutchman has plenty of time left to make his mark on this United side.

Lenny Yoro – KEEP

The future of Manchester United’s defence. Yoro has had an injury disrupted start to his Red Devils career but the highly rated Frenchman will be the present and future of this United team.

Lisandro Martinez – KEEP

A reliable defender at times, his ability to endanger opponents with his rash tackling will be a concern for Amorim. The Argentine has proven to be capable at this level and will provide the necessary depth in the United backline.

Harry Maguire – SELL

Time is up for Maguire at United. The former Red Devils captain has struggled for game time and his recent spell of injuries will have not helped his case to stay at the club. A look for pastures new should help revitalise his club and international career.

Victor Lindelof – SELL

An inconsistent time at Old Trafford, the Swedish international’s contract is up at the end of the season and it would come as a surprise to no one to see him leave. A great servant of the club but a major squad refresh is needed.

Jonny Evans – SELL

Returning to the club to complete his coaching badges before being thrusted into the Old Trafford limelight again, Evans could well call time on what has been a successful career at the end of the season.

Luke Shaw – SELL

Still one of United’s best defenders when fit, Shaw’s United career has been plagued with constant injuries. He is more injured than he is fit, which is a shame for a fullback of his quality. United cannot continue to hold on and hope that Shaw can get past his injury nightmares.

Tyrell Malacia – SELL

Like Shaw, Malacia’s Old Trafford career has been full of injuries. The Dutchman only returned to playing action this week in a United U21s match.

Diogo Dalot – KEEP

The Portuguese international is one of United’s top performers, and should have that right back spot locked down for the foreseeable. Good going forward and defending, Dalot will definitely benefit from Amorim’s arrival.

Noussair Mazraoui – KEEP

Another new arrival, Mazraoui has played most of his United careers to date at left-back, but despite not playing in his favoured position he has been performing well.

Manuel Ugarte – KEEP

Reuniting with the manager in which he played a starring role in securing Sporting CP their first Portuguese title in 20 years, Ugarte has shown his qualities across Europe and looks to be finally adjusting to Premier League life. Could form an exciting partnership with Kobbie Mainoo in the future.

Casemiro – SELL

As Jamie Carragher said, ‘leave the football before the football leaves you.’ Despite an upturn in form since ten Hag’s departure, Casemiro has not shown anything near the quality he had during his time at Madrid, with a move away from Manchester a win for both parties.

Kobbie Mainoo – KEEP

A player Amorim must build his team around, Mainoo has shown how quickly he can adapt to men’s football and the level he can perform at. It has been a mixed start to this season but at 19 it would be silly to write off one of English football’s biggest talents.

Christian Eriksen – SELL

Another player who despite showing an upturn in form, is nearer to end of his Manchester United career. Eriksen has been a consistent performer but his age is another factor for a refresh.

Bruno Fernandes – KEEP

Captain of the club and too good a player to get rid of. Fernandes has been United’s best player since he joined the Red Devils from Sporting CP in January 2020. At 30, he should be hitting his prime which is good news for Amorim if it means the Portuguese international can get even better than his current high standards.

Mason Mount – SELL

Mount’s nightmare spell at Old Trafford needs to end, for the sake of the player and club. What looked like an inspired move away from a messy situation at Chelsea, the 25-year-old has struggled for consistency and fitness after moving up north. A move away might help to rejuvenate the player who once was one of the first on the England team sheet.

Marcus Rashford – KEEP

You never know which Marcus Rashford you are going to get. The one that struggles for game time and goals, or the one that goes and gets 30 goals a season in all competitions. The quality is there to see, it is just about whether the 27-year-old can stay fit and consistent.

Alejandro Garnacho – KEEP

Garnacho has been another shining light for United since he burst onto the scene in 2022. The Argentine has shown his quality, and at only 20-years-old, should be considered one of the first names on the team sheet if he can show further consistency. Amorim might be the one capable of unlocking his full potential.

Amad Diallo – KEEP

Having reignited his Manchester United career in the past 12 months, Diallo has performed like a person trying to prove a point. Signed for a big fee at such a young age, this season has been the Ivorian’s breakthrough year and should be a mainstay in the United squad for years to come.

Antony – SELL

It has not worked for Antony, simple as that. The Brazilian’s highs at United were his opening five matches, since then he has struggled for fitness and form and looks out of his depth in the Premier League. A change in scenario might do the 24-year-old good.

Rasmus Hojlund – KEEP

If Amorim can turn Hojlund into the type of striker that Viktor Gyokores is, then United fans will be rubbing their hands. The Danish forward, like many on this list, has struggled for consistency, but his eye for goal is clear. The 21-year-old is still raw but his potential is high.

Joshua Zirkzee – SELL

The Dutchman’s career at United has not got started so far, with the 23-year-old clearly struggling with adapting to the Premier League. With links back to Italy already, maybe a move back there might be best for both parties.