Lingard & the EIGHT players who could still leave Man Utd this summer

Martin Macdonald

19 Aug 2021 10:58 BST
5 min read

Lingard would have been ‘perfect’ Man Utd player in Ronaldo and Rooney era – Neville — © ProShots

Manchester United have had an excellent transfer window so far, with the acquisitions of Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund and Raphael Varane from Real Madrid.

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They are apparently not done, either, as even though Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said after the opening day Premier League victory over Leeds that any subsequent signings would be a "bonus", they are still in the market for a right-back and a central midfielder.

Kieran Trippier of Atletico Madrid and Eduardo Camavinga of Rennes are just two of the names who have been linked with a move to Old Trafford.

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Any further transfers will likely have to be funded by player sales, though, and with that in their minds, the Red Devils have, according to ESPN, made as many as nine players within the first-team squad free to leave.

Jesse Lingard

Jesse Lingard didn't play a single minute in the first half of last season which led to West Ham taking him on loan in January and not only did he impress in London, but was outstanding.

In his six months with the Hammers he scored more league goals (nine) than in any full season with Man Utd.

He would reportedly be open to a permanent transfer to London with West Ham, while the club would be delighted to have him, but so far they have been unable to match Man Utd's asking price.

Brandon Williams

Brandon Williams has been used as a backup both at right-back and left-back over the course of his Man Utd career, so far unable to make either position his own.

A permanent transfer away is looking unlikely for now as he is on the cusp of joining Norwich on loan until the end of the current campaign.

Upon his return, Man Utd will look at his development and see if he is worth keeping around.

Anthony Martial

Capable of occasional brilliance, Anthony Martial simply hasn't been consistent enough in a Man Utd shirt to warrant a guaranteed place in the starting XI.

Injuries have hampered him, yes, but his goalscoring return hasn't been good enough, which is why Edinson Cavani and even Mason Greenwood are arguably ahead of him in the pecking order for the centre-forward spot at Old Trafford.

The Frenchman will certainly play his part this season if he sticks around, but if the club receive a decent offer, they will more than likely accept it.

He has been linked with Tottenham as a potential replacement for Harry Kane.

Diogo Dalot

Diogo Dalot spent last season on loan at Milan and had a fruitful period in Italy, making 31 appearances in all competitions.

A return to Milan either on loan or on a permanent basis has been mentioned, but his future will likely depend on whether or not Man Utd bring in another right-back, like Trippier.

Milan could still test their resolve with a bid, however.

Phil Jones

Phil Jones has become the forgotten man at Man Utd.

Once predicted by Sir Alex Ferguson as having the potential to be the club's greatest EVER signing, his career has been ravaged by injury over the last few years.

If he can prove his fitness, someone like Newcastle would probably take a punt. But for now, his career stagnates in Manchester.

Alex Telles

Unfortunately for Alex Telles, Luke Shaw has enjoyed probably the best season of his career at Man Utd and with England since the Brazilian joined from Porto.

It was probably the boost Shaw needed to improve, but that doesn't help Telles, who was very much second choice in that position last season.

Alex Telles scores a penalty, Villarreal v Man Utd Europa League final — © ProShots

United still do need someone to step in at left-back over a busy upcoming season, but they would be open to a transfer should someone come in with a bid.

Roma was previously mentioned as a destination.