Transfer Talk: Five players facing Old Trafford exits

An eventful summer lies ahead for Manchester United, with a change of manager sure to herald a changing of Old Trafford’s old guard.

Some less senior members of the squad could be on their way too as the 20-time top-flight winners bid to return to English football’s summit.

But who could be heading through the club’s exit door in the next transfer window?

Ahead of tonight’s Champions League last-16 second-leg clash with Atletico Madrid, we highlight five possible departures from the Red Devils’ ranks.

Paul Pogba

Will Paul Pogba stay or go? It is a question which has lingered for what feels like forever — and it will finally have to be answered this summer.

As things stand, United’s mercurial midfield maestro is set to become a free agent, with Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus all linked with moves for the Frenchman.

At his brilliant best, the 28-year-old can be unplayable but his second spell at Old Trafford has been defined by inconsistency.

In the face of frequent criticism, a fresh start could be on the cards when the current season concludes.

Edinson Cavani

Aged 33 when he joined the Red Devils in October 2020, Edinson Cavani’s Old Trafford stay was never likely to be a particularly long one.

And it looks as though it will come to an end this summer with the experienced Uruguayan frontman struggling with injuries in recent months.

Besides, United ought to be thinking about finding the long-term heir to Cristiano Ronaldo, whose return meant that Cavani was bound to see his playing time significantly reduced this campaign.

Jesse Lingard

No one would have been surprised to see Jesse Lingard leave Old Trafford last summer following his scintillating loan spell at West Ham in the latter part of the season.

But the attacking midfielder appeared to be in former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s plans and remained with the club that he joined at the age of seven.

Lingard might be wishing he had moved on though, having played just 392 minutes in all competitions this term.

Fortunately for the 29-year-old, his contract expires in June — and he will not be short of suitors.

The Hammers, Newcastle and Tottenham are among many clubs keeping tabs ahead of a summer swoop.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka

Aaron Wan-Bissaka arrived at United almost three years ago, with big expectations on his shoulders — and a significant £50million price tag on his head.

But the former Crystal Palace right-back has not lived up to either, flattering to deceive under Solskjaer before falling below Diogo Dalot in the pecking order since Rangnick’s arrival.

At 24, his career could certainly be revived — perhaps even at United, where he still has two years left to run on his current deal.

The Red Devils might not be ready to give up on Wan-Bissaka just yet but a spell out on loan could be on the cards next season.

Marcus Rashford

There was a time when Marcus Rashford looked like he would go on to become a United great — but he has been a shadow of his previously prodigious self this term.

And Rangnick discussed the 24-year-old’s future last week, amid rumours that he could be considering a move elsewhere in the next transfer window.

He said: “Even suppose he [Rashford] and his agents or his family at one stage of the summer think about maybe going to another club, well then he can do that but in the summer. Now the window is closed.

“I spoke with him yesterday [Thursday] and the day before so I don’t know anything about him being unhappy.

“He didn’t say anything to me, he said to me that he is still happy and that he wants to perform on a high level for the club. There was no mention of him not being happy here.”

That may all be true but United need to be careful with Rashford, who has arguably been overplayed in recent years.