Five Man Utd stars to keep and eight to sell if Ten Hag wants to challenge City

Manchester United’s FA Cup final defeat was the latest indicator that Erik ten Hag has plenty of work to do to compete with Manchester City. The summer transfer window presents another opportunity to mould the Red Devils squad to his liking with another busy period of business.

Some United players, like Anthony Elanga and Facundo Pellistri, need loans to aid their development.

But Ten Hag would be better using others to boost his transfer kitty for the next crucial stage of his project at Old Trafford.

Express Sport runs through players United must keep amid transfer speculation and stars who should be cashed in on.

KEEP

Aaron Wan-Bissaka

With Diogo Dalot signing a new contract until 2028, uncertainty over Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s future could re-surface this summer after he seemed destined to leave in 2022.

But the 25-year-old has shown clear signs of improvement throughout Ten Hag’s first season and is one of two good options at the Dutchman’s disposal.

Victor Lindelof

Lisandro Martinez’s arrival last summer seemingly pushed Victor Lindelof down to the fourth choice in Ten Hag’s pecking order.

But in Martinez’s absence through injury, the Swedish centre-back has proven he is capable of filling in, and his stay must be prioritised over Harry Maguire’s.

Fred

Fred is being linked with a move away as he enters the final year of his United contract, with Fulham emerging as a potential destination.

But he is a valuable squad player who would be worth keeping for another season and allowing to leave for free next year rather than losing for a cut-price fee.

Marcel Sabitzer

Speaking of squad players, United won’t receive much opposition to opting against making Jack Butland and Wout Weghorst’s loans permanent.

But Marcel Sabitzer was a handy option that suited Ten Hag’s style in his short stint at Old Trafford. If affordable, it would be worth keeping him around.

Marcus Rashford

Marcus Rashford’s contract – expiring next year – remains one of several dark clouds of uncertainty hovering over M16 amid strong interest from PSG.

All signs may point towards the 30-goal forward committing his future to United, but the sooner, the better, while everyone is riding the high of a good season.

SELL

Dean Henderson

Even though David de Gea is on the verge of agreeing a new United contract, he can’t be the club’s No 1 next season.

Ten Hag should sanction the sale of Dean Henderson to Nottingham Forest and use the funds to help secure FC Porto’s Diogo Costa.

Harry Maguire

Maguire’s time at United is quite clearly up. The club captain is now fourth in Ten Hag’s central defensive preference.

With Euro 2024 coming next summer, an exit in the coming months would suit all parties. United will make a significant loss but should still recoup a respectable fee.

Eric Bailly

Eric Bailly will leave the Red Devils after Marseille decided against making his uninspiring loan permanent.

The injury-doubt centre-back doesn’t fit in Ten Hag’s plans and is among the dead wood that needs to move on.

Alex Telles

Alex Telles could remain in Sevilla after helping the La Liga outfit win their seventh Europa League title this season.

Last season’s performances were enough to accept that he isn’t good enough for United. Tyrell Malacia becoming Ten Hag’s first signing indicated that much.

Brandon Williams

Brandon Williams’ once promising United career has been plagued by injury frustration.

After a positive loan spell at Norwich City last season, the 22-year-old appeared just once under Ten Hag this term. He needs a move.

Scott McTominay

Many fans would like to see Scott McTominay stay at United as a squad option. But with Newcastle United and West Ham United among his suitors, the time is right for the club to cash in.

The Scotland international would be one of United’s biggest sales of the summer and help Ten Hag continue to upgrade his midfield with Mason Mount and potentially another.