Eight Players who Could Leave Old Trafford & Their Possible Replacements
Clearing out the deadwood
The away win at Stoke was a well-earned 3 points and has presented me with the chance to share my thoughts on the current squad without them appearing to be knee-jerk reactions. Some of the changes I can foresee are necessary, while others just seem probable.
Even before the Rooney saga broke, many United supporters had voiced concerns about certain players’ performances, determination and/or age and there certainly is room for improvement in the current squad.
The following illustration shows the current first team players in the positions they usually play. Some might play better on the other flank and some can play in multiple positions, so don’t get your knickers in a twist – it’s just a general visualization of the first team.
Players that should be allowed to leave:
As highlighted in red – Gary Neville and Michael Owen. Gary Neville was one of the finest right backs in Europe and probably the best in England for the better part of a decade. What he lacked in natural footballing ability, he made up for with unrivaled determination, courage, intelligence and tantalizing crosses. Now though, he is a shadow of his former self. As he showed against Ronaldinho in the Champions League last season, he still can deliver the goods and his experience is considerable, but there haven’t been many outstanding performances from the fullback and he should be allowed to retire gracefully. Gazza struggled against Etherington in the Stoke match, as I predicted he would, and really should not be put into the firing line against pacy wingers. United should move him on to a coaching position where he can share his experience with young defenders.
Michael Owen has proven to be one of my least favourite signings of Fergie’s reign. At the time, I got a lot of stick for saying it, but Owen’s signing showed a lack of ambition and represented a gamble that has not paid off. He needs to be moved on in order to create space for new players in the squad.
Players that might probably leave:
The rest of the old guard – van der Sar, Scholes and Giggsy. Great servants to the club, who could probably manage another season, but I just couldn’t bare to see them struggling and as long as they’re at the club, Fergie will be too tempted to keep relying on them, which Fergie has done almost to a fault. Younger players need to be given their chance to shine without being in the shadows of the old guard.
I have a lot of time for Owen Hargreaves and think that he was a top class midfielder at his peak, but if he can’t play regularly, he should retire or be moved on like Louis Saha.
Next up – Michael Carrick. Carrick’s fall from grace has been truly shocking and bizarre. His first two seasons at the club coincided with medals and trophies galore with many goal-scoring forays starting from a beautiful Carrick pass. However, his performances started to decline in 08/09 and reached a new low last season. Gone are the long, raking passes and instead they have been replaced by short passes sideways or backwards, but hardly ever forwards. His determination to do well has been replaced by a determination to cruise along and he seems happy to play within himself. At times, his lack of determination has been a major source of frustration and is completely unacceptable for an United player.
In fact, his performances have been so pedestrian that Darron Gibson could do his job and on half the wages and at only 23, I think it is very likely that Gibson will retain his place in the squad while Carrick is exited from OT. I can already hear some shouts for United to get rid of Park Ji-Sung, but I don’t agree with those sentiments. He might be in poor form now, but he is a very committed player and when he’s on form, he’s a useful player to have and God knows we could use players with commitment at the moment.
The last player I have earmarked to join this summer’s possible exodus is Senegalese striker Mame Biram Diouf. Diouf is blessed with blistering pace and a good physique, but did not do himself any favours when he missed a couple of sitters last season. After scoring a hat-trick for Blackburn, Diouf has found it difficult to find the back of the net and I just believe that he will be sold to a lower premier league club for a small profit and to free up space in the squad.
Before moving on to the possible replacements, I would just like to highlight that even if all of the above mentioned players were to leave, United would still have 8 home-grown players.
Possible replacements:
While thinking about possible replacements, it is important to consider that Fergie will not want to dessimate the squad completely. He’ll want to keep the capable, as well as very good players and those who have a lot of desire, while weeding out the under-performing ones.
For that reason I believe that Tomasz Kuszczak will be talked into staying another season and that he will be given the number one jersey to boost his confidence. A scenario whereby both Edwin van der Sar and Kuszczak were allowed to leave at the same time seems unlikely to me. So with that in mind, I would think a move for Atletico Madrid’s David De Gea would be on the cards. I have seen him a few times this season and he has kicked on from last season. His performances are assured and he ticks all the boxes you would want in a keeper. He needs to bulk up, but at 19 he would be humble enough to accept being rotated with Kuszczak for a season while he receives some TLC from Mike Clegg. This scenario would keep Kuszczak happy too. Other keepers to consider are Manuel Neuer and Hugo Lloris.
In midfield, I think we could be looking at up to 3 central midfielders. I’m not too worried about the players on the wing, so while it would be fantastic to sign someone like Garreth Bale, I just don’t see it as a priority. If Carrick does leave Old Trafford, I would think that Fergie would want to sign a midfield player who can pass the ball well and who also has good height. As we saw against Stoke, this is one of Fergie’s considerations when playing a team who love to pump balls into the penalty area.
For this reason, I think the rumours regarding Jordan Henderson are very possible. He is only 2 inches/5 cm shorted than Carrick and is a good passer of the ball. A lot of fans are shouting for Jack Rodwell, but Rodwell seems to be injury prone and would command a fee of between 15 to 20million pounds, while Henderson could probably leave Sunderland for below 10mil.
Another player who has been linked to the club is Steven Defour. Sir Alex doesn’t write get-well letters to just anybody, so the coaching staff at OT must rate him highly, as do I. He is a dynamic midfield player, who is strong and doesn’t mind mixing it up and would add more bite to our midfield, which we currently lack. He can pass the ball well and has an eye for goal. At 12 million pounds and having recovered from a broken foot, I think it is very likely that United will sign this player.
While Defour can and does get forward, United still could use more direct penetration through the middle and that could be provided by a certain Wesley Sneijder. I have been a fan of both Sneijder and Rafael van der Vaart for a long time and was disappointed that Fergie made no attempts to sign either when they left Madrid. He can be stubborn like that.
The issue with Sneijder is that he will be 27 next summer and is likely to cost in excess of £25 to £30million, which is a hefty transfer fee. It is also understood that United have recently adopted the policy of not signing players over the age of 26, but if there’s one player who justify breaking that rule, surely it would be Sneijder. The Dutch midfield dynamo would also represent a marquee signing that Mr Rooney so desperately wants to see at united and let’s be honest – the fans would love it too.
However, it will not be an easy task to convince Inter to part with Sneijder, especially since Rafa Benitez has taken over as manager. Rumour has it that Inter are offering the Dutch ace an improved contract, which could be signed as early as tonight, so an alternative transfer target i would mention is Marek Hamsik. Hamsik is an attacking midfield player who has shown his quality in Serie A, as well as in the World Cup and who can cope with strong challenges when defenders single him out. He might not be Wesley Sneijder, but he would quality to the squad and probably be more affordable.
I could also mention a certain Adem Ljajic who is doing really well at Fiorentina, but “I’m no gettin’ intae tha”. Another player to keep an eye on would be Palermo’s Javier Pastore. The kid has mad skills, but has a sleight build.
On the front line, I don’t see a real desperate need to bring in any new strikers, as we do have quality up front with young players like Jochua King and John Cofie coming through, but on the other hand, I know that Fergie loves strikers.
David Gill intimated in an interview that United had made a €35million bid for Karim Benzema, so Sir Alex obviously rates him highly and the French striker could be available for as little as €20m in the summer. He has increddible skill and can play as winger, so would suit United’s style of play nicely. A lot of people are dismissing him at the moment, but it just hasn’t worked out for him at Madrid. Benzema is much better that his current form suggests and Sir Alex could bring out his best form with adoring fans cheering him on, not booing him, which has happened at the Bernabeau.
Failing that, there’s always Edin Dzeko who is a man mountian and an ardent goal-scorer. The problem is that he probably wouldn’t suit United’s style of play much and isn’t as versatile. He also would cost more than Benzema, as Wolfsburg had turned down City’s €30m advances last summer. I would also chuck in the name of Fernando Llorente who is a beast of a centre forward and could be a good foil for Wayne Rooney.
To Summarize:
Out: van der Sar, Neville, Carrick, Hargreaves, Giggs, Scholes, Owen, Diouf
In:
- David De Gea – £12m
- Jordan Henderson – £8m or possible player swap with Carrick?
- Steven Defour – £12m
- Wesley Sneijder – £25m – £30m or Marek Hamsik – £15m to £20m
- Karim Benzema – £20m (Striker not a priority though)
Sir Alex Ferguson would be looking to spend upwards of £70m in the summer while adding significantly to United’s wage structure and amortization column in the accounting books. Will the Glazers splash the cash and could they even afford it?
October 26th, 2010 at 6:56 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Andrew Simpson, Rodney Jardine and Mac Menace, RedForceRising. RedForceRising said: Eight Players who Could Leave Old Trafford & Their Possible Replacements http://bit.ly/bxDeLr #mufc #manutd Would love to know your comments [...]
October 26th, 2010 at 6:58 pm
just the truth of our club
October 26th, 2010 at 7:01 pm
very good analysis and choice of player replacements. ideally, it would be preferable to get the youngsters in january (de gea, henderson and defour) because they wont command a large transfer fee and wages. this is so we can transition the old guard (giggs, neville, scholes, van der sar) out because i’d like to think they’re on reasonably high wages. when they’re gone in the summer, we can look for one or two marquee signing and believe it or not, it potentially could be someone like gareth bale who tottenham will demand a huge fee for, or someone like benzema who we all know is on very high wages at real madrid.
October 26th, 2010 at 7:15 pm
where do you let O’she?
October 26th, 2010 at 7:17 pm
Great read and agree with most of it, but wonder if there’s a real need to let so many players go at once. Watching Gibson and Carrick play like they can’t be bothered has been frustrating though. Those two should definitely be used in a cash + player deal.
@Fitz good point about the wages, mate. Giggsy, Scholesy and Gazza are bound to be on 90k a week or thereabouts, surely they should make way for the wages of any possible big name signings.
October 26th, 2010 at 7:30 pm
Hi Yoby. Where do I let O’Shea do what?
I would let him sit on the bench, to be honest. O’Shea is a very mediocre player and makes Wes Brown look good. He’s an honest lad though and loves playing for United. He also adds height to the team and is versatile, so he’s a useful squad player to have.
October 26th, 2010 at 8:39 pm
You forgot about park? he is atrocious dozen goals in 5 years – would he get in any other top 4 club squad – the answer – NO
October 26th, 2010 at 9:21 pm
Good read, Diouf hasn’t been given much of a go but would take a fair bit of work to be proper United quality. Not so sure with the whole who we are buying thing though, there are various factors into our spending.
I like Henderson for example but one of our writers correctly asked today is he better than what we already have?
October 26th, 2010 at 10:06 pm
O’shea’s height is good but he is always wrong side of players…kind of defeats the purpose.
Great article like always.
October 26th, 2010 at 10:27 pm
Adam I think you are missing the point as to the kind of player Park is. He is out goal Scorer he is out utility player. he rarely gets a run of games. He is a big game player — usually. In comparison Rooney is currently playiing horribly too. Everyone has there momEnts and park has always been a dedicated player for us. I just feel he has a part in our squad.
October 26th, 2010 at 10:28 pm
Adam I think you are missing the point as to the kind of player Park is. He is not a goal Scorer he is out utility player. he rarely gets a run of games. He is a big game player — usually. In comparison Rooney is currently playiing horribly too. Everyone has there momEnts and park has always been a dedicated player for us. I just feel he has a part in our squad.
October 26th, 2010 at 10:47 pm
hugo lloris
ramos
schneijder
bale
benzema
in order for man utd to be the big force again…
October 26th, 2010 at 10:53 pm
GOAL KEPPER
OUT : Van Der Sar
IN : Stekelenburg (Ajax)
DEFENDER
OUT : Neville, O’Shea
IN : Van Der Wiel (Ajax)
MIDFIELDER
OUT : Scholes, Giggs, Carrick, Hargreves,
IN : Bale (Tottenham), Sneijder (Inter), Mahamadou Diarra (Real)
STRIKER
OUT :Owen, Diouf, Welbeck
IN : Benzema (Real), Zamora (Fulham)
SUM UP: 10 out, 7 in. (Zamora should be a cheaper option compared to Dzeko, while Mahamadou Diarra is a big strong defensive midfield and his experience should benefit United a lot). Above all,… “NO” Jordan Henderson please…. This player is not good enough to improve the current United squad. Henderson infact is not a skifull player at all. He’s not quick, not good at passing, and not good at defending or chasing the ball.
October 27th, 2010 at 12:12 am
Hi Fitz, thanks for reading and liking it. Bale would be an incredible signing, but can you imagine the price Levy would demand for him? It would be exorbitant, but yes, Bale on the left, Nani or Valencia on the right would be fantastic. Of course he could also play LB, but imaing both Evra and him on the left. Fantastic.
Thanks, Dan.
Adam, Park is not a goal scorer, but has probably scored more than Carrick and may I add, last year he scored against Milan, Liverpool and Arsenal. pretty big scalps there.
As youse has said, he’s a big game player and he is definitely sommitted to the cause 100%.
@Chudi – thanks for reading, mate.
I guess it’s all about potential and ability. He can pass and move, that much we know. He did alright against United, so no lack of confidence. At only 20, it’s not unreasonable to think he can be better than Carrick, who just seems to be along for the ride.
It’s a good question about Henderson. Is he a better cow then what we have?
October 27th, 2010 at 12:19 am
Great article its food for thought.
I cannot disagree with one of your “deadwood” suggestions.
I can disagree with the players you suggest as the replacements but thats just speculation and fun.
Since this revelation of this “war chest” of money.
Articles all over the net have been popping up here and there, on this player and that player Old Trafford bound.
I dont like to be a doomsayer but who actually believes there is this fighting fund availiable.
Are we just forgetting the loss that has just been posted of some £80 odd million pounds.
That the Glazer in the near future will likely take from our club “their entitlement” of some £100 million pounds.
I find it fascinating with this statement from the snake Gill and its timimg.
There is not a Cat in hells chance united will purchase some top line player in January.
But we will get the PR again prior to season tickets going on sale in the summer.That we have a transfer fund availiable.
Show me the money.
October 27th, 2010 at 12:23 am
shax, I don’t really see defense as a problem and I’d like to give Rafael the space to develop so no need for Ramos. Would he leave Madrid for United? Agree about the rest though.
@Gazaro, good shouts there, but Henderson can certainly pass the ball well. Check out his performance for England U21. OK he doesn’t complete every pass, but some of the passes were very sweet indeed.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qxu-X4aq8EQ
October 27th, 2010 at 12:36 am
Hi RedScot.
Thanks for reading. The Glazernomics are eye-watering and I am sure they ARE going to help themselves to the cookie jar to pay off the PIKs, but I cannot imagine them not strengthening the playing squad. I’m pretty certain Fergie will try for Sneijder or Benzema in the summer, but not in January.
He’l lalso need to do some wheelin’ and dealin’. Carrick could be swapped for example or for player + cash.
Heck, if need be, we could even use Anderson or Gibson. I would be loathe to lose Anderson, but it’s not like he’s set the world on fire. I’m just thinking out loud here. Chicharito, Smalling and Bebe cost us a reported 25 mil, so the Glazers permitting another 15 or 20m on top of that is not entirely impossible. Who knows? Maybe Steve Bruce would take Gibson and Owen for Henderson? Or maybe Welbeck for Henderson straight swap? Maybe Standard Liege will accept the fee for Defour to be paid over 3 years. 4mil a year is plausible. Maybe Madrid will accept 2 payments of 10mil each for Benzema?
Yes, Gill and Fergie would have to be creative, but it’s possible.
October 27th, 2010 at 2:03 am
Spot on as ever Alan, it will be down to a case I believe of selling on and hopefully purchasing with improved players.
You have thought it through brilliantly, with these instalment plans.
I just hate the mess they have put our club in.
Also I hate the spin, that they are going to give Sir Alex £100 million to enhance the team.
Its not going to happen and it just gets fans all excited about this player and this one.
Ps I personally would not want to see Benzema anywhere near Old Trafford……. ohh wait a minute Wastelands is fine, hand and glove springs to mind. lol Gill is creative, but you already know that!
Cheers Alan keep up the great work and keep us all entertained.
Cmon United, lets put those Wolves to the sword.
October 27th, 2010 at 3:05 am
What makes you think Owen can be sent to Sunderland as at the end of this season he can go where he likes. What you or Fergie thinks is completely irrelavant. All you have against Owen is because he played and scored many goals against you for Liverpool. For pity’s sake grow up and get a life Actually I think he will go to Villa as Houllier likes him and at least knows what Owen’s best position is unlike Fergie who has not got a clue. Take Owen’s last game where did Fergie play him? Almost alongside Vidic. Personally I think Fergie takes a delight in humiliating Owen as he is has a pathetic obsession with sniping at Liverpool and as Owen was a Liverpool great Fergie wants to degrade him.
October 27th, 2010 at 7:39 am
The major problem man utd has is that we are nt willing to retire our old tired legs.Why would rafael sit on bench while Garry got on pitch?
OUT:OSHEA,GIBSON CARRICK,HAGREAVES,SCHOLES,GIGGS,VAN DAR SAR AND BERBATOV.
IN:DE GEA,AFELAAY,DEFOUR,BENZEMA and BALE.
First 11:
DE GEA.EVRA,VIDIC,SMALLING,RAFAEL.
AFELAAY,DEFOUR,NANI,BALE.
HARNANDEZ,ROONEY(BENZEMA)cos rooney signed the contract to be sold.
October 27th, 2010 at 8:12 am
What is being said here is the obvious – succession planning.
The strength of our teams down the last 34 years has been down the spine – keeper/centre backs/midfield and striker(s). We’ve been blessed with wingers and full backs (Irwin/Giggs on the left – Nevill/Beckham/Nani(now)on the right.
We need a goalie, at least one centre back as I do not see Ferdinand being 100% (he should be advised to quit the national team), as to the middle Scholes is Scholes and is never again to be replicated, so we do need something here – but who? I do not see any one other than Xabi/Alonso/Iniesta who can fill this role for United, unless Rooney drops back and learns how to play that role and I think he can. His frustration as a foward is when he does not see the ball – mid field he would see plenty and I do think he can play that part.(Maybe Nani as well – his game has gone from mediocre to very good in less than 18 months)
We have a bucket load of talent coming through – names like Matt james/Tom Cleverly appear as good prospects in the near future and Pogba/Petruzzi are longer term prospects. Macheda/Hernandes will fill the bill upfront in time.
Development of the youth is crucial and will as always be a focus at Old Trafford – SAF will make the right decisions – he always does.
Where the issue is, for me, is that that there are not that many “United” quality players anywhere – no point in buying some one who is not to our quality and may disrupt the dressing room.
Players will be bought, and sold, – question is who. Only SAF can answer that. Be assured he will make the right choices.
October 27th, 2010 at 11:04 am
Great read even if I disagree with some of it.
I can’t see us making a move for Sneijder, not only is he far to expensive but I can’t see him leaving Inter just yet. Mind you at the end of the season when Rafa has destroyed the side maybe he’ll see things differently.
I’d like to see the follow out:
Carrick, Gibson, Park and Owen
I won’t like to see it but I think the following will retire:
VDS, Giggs, Scholes and Neville
I’d like to see the following in:
Stephen Defour – He’d be a great replacement for Scholes as he likes to sit deep and dictate the play.
Hugo Lloris – This bloke is a fucking freak. He struggles with corners like a lot of young keepers do but one on one he’s as good as Cassilias.
Alexis Sanches – He can play anywhere up top. As a winger, CAM or striker. I don’t think we need another out and out striker so someone like him would be perfect.
Jordan Henderson – Could be anything but would take a few years to come on.
Rodwell – With Hargie out for ever we need some more steel in the middle and Rodders could provide that as well as cover for the backline
Oh but in a perfect world I’d bloody love Ozil but that’s not happening
October 27th, 2010 at 6:17 pm
I think there is a bigger point than the potential players. I have not heard anyone talk about the coaching staff. I for one would let Mike Phelan go. We used to play liquid formations and I believe Carricks drop in form and confidence is in part down to coaching. Maybe I am miles off as I hear noone else say it, but I would change the assistant to Fergie from Phelan, perhaps Ole’s turn?
October 28th, 2010 at 12:09 am
great article and i agree with everything apart from Henderson i for one feel that Tom Cleverley is as good a player with possibly more potential….its only because Henderson is playing premiership football week in week out that people rate him higher.
i really hope that we finally pull our finger out and sign a couple of top class players like Sneijder and De Gea in the summer.
October 28th, 2010 at 1:40 am
Hi Bolaji,
I don’t rate O’Shea much and would not be sad to see him leave, but the problem is that the manager trusts him and that he he loves playing for the club. He adds height to the team and can play anywhere across the back four or just infront of defence, so I can’t see him leave.
If we got DE GEA,AFELAAY,DEFOUR,BENZEMA and BALE, I would have to pinch myself to see if I’m dreaming. Bale would be a real coup, but he’d cost an arm and a leg on current form.
Hi Peter,
thanks for the well-thought response.
A keeper is a must. if VDS stays another season, Kuszczak will leave and if VDS retires, we need one anyway, so I’d bet my wife’s pet kitten that we’ll see a new keeper this summer.
As for Ferdinand, he’s just been made England captain, I’m pretty sure he’s gunning for Euro 2012 and will retire from Int’l football thereafter. He’s still a fantastic defender when fit and I think another central defender would be too much of a crowd. Smalling looks like he could be a very good acquisition and seems to have overtaken Evans in the pecking order. 4 CBs should be enough and though I hate to say it Wes Brown can cover and if we’re really desperate there’s O’Shea.
Cleverley really is fearless and I would be surprised if doesn’t become a first-team regular and even more exciting is Pogba.
Paul Scholes is simply irreplaceable. Players like him and Xavi only come around 1 or twice in a generation. there’s a pretty good midfielder at Lazio named Hernanes though. He’s very good and has a strong, stocky physique. He could handle himself the premier league.
United don’t often buy players that are United quality straight away. The key is Fergie and his scouts they can become United quality. For every Stam or RVN, there’s been a Vidic or Evra who have had to grow into it.
For every Cantona or Kanchelskis there’s been a Ronaldo or Nani.
Oh btw, i think Gojko Kacar also will be a very good player. Unfortunately he moved to Hamburg, which might mean he will move to Man City some day.
October 28th, 2010 at 7:59 am
HAHA you guys really think this is FIFA11. United will sign one or two players a GK and a defender plus Defour (who is vastly over-rated) Theres guys saying £50m for ramos, go for Lloris (who would cost £30m alone), get in Dzeko (who has reportedly agreed a move to Juve, already turning down a £50m move to City) etc. The fact is, Rooney may have just conned your owners into buying a few players, but the qaulity wont be there neither will be the sum you all think. Just face it, your not even the biggest team in Manchester anymore and thats coming from someone who hates City! Get real, you will only have about £20-5m to spend. Talking about Wesley Sneidner haha, he himself will be worth twice what you have to spend. Stupid, nothern, filthy mugs.
October 29th, 2010 at 1:46 am
Hi Ollie,
thanks for taking the time to read and comment.
Sneijder will not be an easy acquisition and if reports are to be believed he has already signed a new 5 year deal today, which is why I suggested Hamsik or for a different type of player there’s also Ganso from Brazilian club Santos.
Rodwell is a very good prospect, but he been injured a bit too often for my liking.
Alexis Sanchez is a definite possibility especially since United now have a commercial partnership with Chilean wine-makers Concho y Torro.
On the topic of Park – I know he has his detractors, but whn he’s on form he’s a decent player and he is very determined, which is why I wouldn’t mind him staying.
Carrick and Gibson on the other hand have so little fight in them.
October 31st, 2010 at 9:03 pm
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October 31st, 2010 at 9:53 pm
[...] The Busby Way | The New Kids Are On The Block Stretford-End | MUFC Buy Nobby’s Medals, Stretford-End.com Reaction Bangalore to Old Trafford | Scout Report on Steven Defour ManUtd24 | Javier Hernandez Thinks Inside The Box RedForceRising | 8 Players Who Could Leave Old Trafford and Their Possible Replacements [...]
March 18th, 2011 at 2:28 pm
yeah that was well said, I think your a good writer