7 Man United players that Dan Ashworth could ruthlessly axe this summer, including £82m man – report
Manchester United look likely to make Dan Ashworth the new sporting director, here’s six players he should brutally get rid of.
With Ineos practically now in charge of footballing operations at Manchester United following the FA and Premier League approving Sir Jim Ratcliffe, fans now eagerly await the arrival of a sporting director.
Over the past day or so, this appointment has been speared into the spotlight with Newcastle United’s Dan Ashworth the man who is tipped to arrive at Old Trafford.
This coup would be huge as he is arguably the best in the country at his job and alongside Omar Berrada should make for an excellent future for United’s recruitment.
If he is to arrive, this could see the summer where he stamps authority, axing multiple players in order to bring in new talents, here’s six he could sell…
Jadon Sancho
The number one player on the list for most will be the currently on-loan winger that is Jadon Sancho and there are a couple of reasons why he could be on the chopping block.
Sancho was sent back to Borussia Dortmund in January after a falling out with Erik ten Hag. With the Dutchman now seeing his United side thriving, it’s unlikely he will depart and so Sancho is almost certain to leave.
With proper structure in place, Ashworth should ruthlessly get rid of Sancho as he clearly has no future here. Although this likely involves United losing a substantial amount of what they paid, it’s likely the Saudi Pro League is the best scenario.
Tyrell Malacia
Tyrell Malacia proved himself to be a really solid option for United during his first season at the club, deputising for Luke Shaw and impressing in doing so.
However, he hasn’t been seen this season at all after sustaining an injury in pre-season before the US tour had even begun.
In December, he was said to have a knee injury which would keep him out until early 2024 as per the club, however, it is now halfway through February and he seems no closer.
With a player missing a whole calendar year, it’s likely United will be keen on signing a new left-back, particularly as Shaw has once more faced an injury-plagued season. So in this case, it could be that Malacia is shifted on.
Victor Lindelof
Victor Lindelof is a player United seem to have outgrown over the past year, with him finding himself sparingly used.
The Swedish defender will likely be expecting his departure, with his contract ending in 2025, which could see United keen to cash in, to fund the pursuit of a younger defender.
Lindelof is a valuable commodity though, and could even be utilised in a swap deal this summer. Possibly sending him back to his former club Benfica could be an option as United look at both Joao Neves and Antonio Silva.
This one seems fairly likely to be on the way out, especially if Ashworth plans on a squad overhaul.
Antony
So Antony is only in his second season at Old Trafford, however, it already doesn’t look good for him as he’s been replaced in the team.
Costing £82m Antony, like Sancho, arrived to high expectations with his talent clear albeit in a lesser league but also like Sancho, he’s failed to perform at all really with nine goals and four assists in 69 games to date.
With the rumours around Michael Olise pretty substantial right now in terms of him being the top target heading into the summer, this likely means a bit of a clearout at right-wing and Antony could be the big departure needed to welcome Olise.
Casemiro
Casemiro is a player who has been really important for Erik ten Hag, but he’s on huge wages and isn’t getting any younger. This is coupled with the fact United are targeting a new midfielder to accompany Kobbie Mainoo.
This could therefore see Casemiro sacrificed to fund this and clear a space in the squad. In terms of his options, he would likely be the recipient of quite a substantial amount of interest from the Saudi Pro League.
This could see a reunion with Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr for the 31-year-old Brazilian. One of the biggest names that Ashworth could axe, but few would care if it meant the arrival of Amadou Onana.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Aaron Wan-Bissaka is a player who has at times been a key player for Manchester United under Ten Hag. Although with Diogo Dalot in supreme form this season, he likely finds himself surplus to requirements.
This is a departure which would see a clear change of emphasis for Ten Hag and could allow for a fresh approach to be made for Jeremie Frimpong.
Wan-Bissaka has been tipped as an option for United to offer in exchange for Olise given the right-back’s history at Crystal Palace.
Raphael Varane
The last name on our list is Raphael Varane, who despite being a fan favourite probably doesn’t have a future beyond this season at the club.
He fell out of Ten Hag’s favour in December for a period of games and although he is a great defender, he’s another who will probably attract some serious interest and United could use this to their advantage.
With two of Jean-Clair Todibo, Silva, Jarrad Branthwaite and Leny Yoro expected to be signed or at least tried to be signed, United could see Varane as the ideal option to sell to make space.
