Five players who could leave United this summer

With the official opening of the transfer window less than a month away, Manchester United have already been linked with a host of players, as Louis Van Gaal is expected to continue his rebuilding process.

However, while there might be a number of players passing through the arrival gates this summer, the departure lounge could be just as busy, as a number of players look set to leave the club.

Here’s five players who could leave United this summer.

1) Jonny Evans

The saying according to which one can’t be build a house without foundations might be one of the oldest cliches in the world, but it is also one of the truest.

Had it not been for David De Gea, United might have finished lower than fourth last season, as their lack of goals up-front was mirrored by an incredibly shaky defence.

Hamstrung by a catalogue injuries or shuffled around for tactical reasons earlier in the season, United’s rearguard never looked convincing and even though only Chelsea and Southampton conceded less goals than United, reinforcements are needed.

If a world class does indeed arrive, Jonny Evans could well see himself ushered out of the door, for he’s already fall behind Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo in the pecking order.

The Northern Irishman looked set to establish himself as a regular in the starting XI after a series of solid performances under Sir Alex Ferguson but has regressed enormously over the last two seasons, looking insecure in possession and too prone to mistakes.

Evans’ injury record is also a concern and with Smalling and Jones a few years his junior, the writing might be on the wall for him.

2) Javier Hernandez

Instrumental in his first season at the club, Hernandez played a slightly more withdrawn, but not less crucial, role during Fergie’s last season at the club but fell out of favour under David Moyes and was deemed surplus to requirements by Louis Van Gaal.

The Mexican’s loan spell to Real Madrid was a mixed bag, with Hernandez forced to watch on from the bench for large portion of the season, although he scored the crucial goal as Carlo Ancelotti’s men knocked out cross-town rivals Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.

United have struggled for goals last season are likely to bolster their options up-front, given that Radamel Falcao will not be at Old Trafford next season.

However, United have struggled in creating chances as much in converting them and Hernandez is more of a goal poacher than an all around striker, which is what Van Gaal’s side desperately lacks.

3) Robin Van Persie

“It’s a strange, difficult situation. A new situation, that’s a better word. I have to think in a realistic way. It’s my ambition to play the next years,” Van Persie said on Tuesday, hinting that he wants to play regularly next season.

Unplayable in his first season at the club as United clinched their 20th league title, the Dutchman has struggled over the last two campaigns and not even Louis Van Gaal’s arrival has halted what seems a steady but inexorable decline.

On the wrong side of 30 and with United desperate to add pace up-front – and offload Van Persie’s wages – the Dutchman, who scored just 10 Premier League goals last season, could well be on his way, unless he accepts a more withdrawn role, a la Teddy Sheringham.

4) Nani

The eternal conundrum that is Nani is set to rear its familiar head again this summer, as the Portuguese returns from a loan spell at Sporting Lisbon.

United face a difficult situation, for while the 28-year-old has impressed this season, scoring 12 goals and assisting a further eight in all competitions, it remains unclear whether he will feature in Van Gaal’s plans next season.

With Ashley Young, Angel Di Maria and Adnan Januzaj already at the club United are not short of winger, although the latter could leave on loan and the Argentine has been far from impressive in his debut season.

Unfortunately for United, even if they did want to get rid of Nani, they would struggle to find a buyer given the Portuguese, courtesy of David Moyes, has another four years remaining on his deal and would have to take a drastic pay cut to attract potential suitors.

5) Rafael 

When the Brazilian first burst onto the scene many thought United had found a long-term replacement for Gary Neville.

Sadly for Rafael, the former United right-back has more chances of getting a game for United than him, given the Brazilian’s abysmal injury record, which has seen him miss 15 games this season. 

With United seeking to add an out-and-out right-back to their ranks, which could see Antonio Valencia could lose his starting spot, Rafael’s chances of remaining at the club next season look increasingly slim.

The 24-year-old is undoubtedly a very talented player but with his tactical development hampered by a string of injuries, his United career might be over.

Dan

Follow @mufc_dan87