Keep or Sell: The final verdict on each Manchester United player

The midfield has already seen the confirmed departure of Ander Herrera to PSG, while question marks hang over the future of Paul Pogba.

Paul Pogba

This has the makings of becoming one of the defining transfer sagas of the summer. At the time of writing, Solskjaer is allegedly offering Pogba the captaincy in an effort to get him to stay. When Pogba plays well, so do United, and his talent cannot be questioned. Issues about his work-rate and commitment remain, and there is every chance he ends up at Real Madrid by the end of the summer.

Verdict: Keep (if you can)

Juan Mata

The diminutive Spaniard never quite hit the heights he did at Chelsea, but has still endeared himself to the Old Trafford faithful. Unfortunately, with Mata on the wrong side of thirty, it does not make footballing sense for United to offer him a new contract. He is likely to join fellow countryman Herrera in leaving on a free transfer.

Verdict: Allow to leave on a free

Jesse Lingard

A willing runner, and a good squad option, who is unlikely to complain when he is not a starter. Lingard can also cover a variety of positions across midfield and the front-line, and though his is not indispensable by any means, all teams need players like him on their rosters.

Verdict: Keep

Andreas Pereira

Like Lingard, Pereira is a useful squad member who can provide cover in midfield and is a willing runner. United cannot afford to lose too much squad depth, particularly with the Europa League campaign promising to stretch resources thin.

Verdict: Keep

Fred

Mourinho’s big signing from last summer has been largely disappointing. Despite this, he deserves another season at the club before a final verdict is rendered, as he walked into a team already in disarray. He will need to have a good season to justify his price-tag.

Verdict: Keep, but monitor closely

Nemanja Matic

Hailed as a coup when he was signed from Chelsea, Matic’s momentum came shuddering to a halt last season. Looked ponderous on the ball, and at sea without it. Another one on the wrong side of thirty, it seemed like games began to pass by him. It is time for United to move him on.

Verdict: Sell

Scott McTominay

One of the few midfielders to emerge form the wreckage of the season with his reputation enhanced, there is an argument to be made for McTominay taking over Matic’s spot as the starting defensive midfielder.

Verdict: Keep