Manchester United have confirmed the departures of Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard with several players more prepared to follow them away from Old Trafford this summer, giving new opportunities to others.
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Erik ten Hag lays out plans for Man Utd
Manchester United are cutting their squad ahead of next season after an intense day that confirmed two more departures from their first team squad.
Paul Pogba is looking for a new club after United confirmed his departure at the end of his contract on Wednesday before the club also said goodbye to Jesse Lingard. Lee Grant and Nemanja Matic have also confirmed their departures, while Juan Mata and Edinson Cavani are also leaving the club.
With Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Phil Jones, Eric Bailly and Anthony Martial among whom United will listen to this summer’s offers, new boss Erik ten Hag will look to make the most of the rest of his squad. Here are five players who were able to see their Dutch club revive.
Alejandro Garnacho of Man Utd sends a clear message to Erik Ten Hag when new images of Paul Pogba appear to pocket another million pounds of Man Utd despite announcing the release of Old Trafford
Donny van de Beek
The most obvious connection between Ten Hag and United is Donny van de Beek who replaced Ajax for Old Trafford in 2020. The midfielder made 175 appearances for the Dutchman, scored 41 goals and thrived in the role given to the winger.
Donny van de Beek spent the second half of the season at Everton (
Image:
James Williamson / Getty Images)
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Ten Hag said of the 24-year-old before he left the Amsterdam-based club at United: “Donny has become an absolute star for us. He has become a modern midfielder, with depth. goals and a strong transition on both sides. “
However, things did not go according to plan for Beek’s van at United and he joined Everton on loan in January, but will be back now. Van de Beek could receive isolation at Old Trafford after the return of his former boss.
Amad Diallo
Amad Diallo was part of the Rangers squad to reach the Europa League final (
Image:
Kirk O’Rourke / Rangers FC / REX / Shutterstock)
Another player returning from a loan spell at the club, Ivorian striker Amad, spent the second half of the season on loan to Scottish club Rangers, whom he helped in the Europa League final.
At just 19 years old, he is still a hugely exciting talent, which led to United leaving a large transfer fee to sign him from Atalanta two years ago. The departure of several Old Trafford offensive players can now mean that he has minutes in the first team squad this season and especially with a multitude of Europa League games to come.
Hannibal Mejbri
Hannibal Mejbri has a bright future at Man United (
Image:
Tom Purslow / Getty Images)
Hannibal, another 19-year-old, has been called up 12 times by the Tunisian national team and has enjoyed the first team minutes in the last matches of Ralf Rangnick’s tenure at United.
A combative midfielder with a goal eye, there is a lot of hope for the teenager at Old Trafford and the multiple midfield outings at United may allow him to forge a more important part in Ten Hag’s planning.
Andreas Pereira
Andreas Pereira has been a regular at Flamengo this season (
Image:
Buda Mendes / Getty Images)
The Brazilian midfielder has returned to United with Ten Hag identifying Pereira as someone who fits the profile of a player who could help his squad.
The midfielder has been loaned to Flamengo back in his homeland after finding difficult minutes. Pereira had been a regular at Old Trafford, but the arrival of Bruno Fernandes in January 2020 changed the dynamic and saw him fall into the hierarchical order.
With the departures of Pogba, Lingard and Mata, Pereira can now play a role in the club.
James Garner
Garner played a key role in promoting Nottingham Forest (
Image:
JAMES FEARN / PPAUK / REX / Shutterstock)
Garner has already made seven first-team appearances with United, more than half of whom reached the Europa League in 2019/20, and could be used in similar matches this season.
The midfielder showed his skills at Nottingham Forest this season and played a major role in his successful promotion to the Premier League, having also starred on loan at Watford.
Garner clearly has a very bright future and Ten Hag will evaluate his talent during the pre-season, before deciding if he is ready for first team action or if his development will be better helped by another loan period.
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