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

The forward line has three players who require major decisions: Alexis Sanchez, Romelu Lukaku, and Anthony Martial.

Marcus Rashford

Probably the only one of the forwards that is safe. His form tailed off towards the end of the season, and never looked quite right after picking up an ankle injury against Liverpool, but it would make no sense for United to let him go.

Verdict: Keep

Alexis Sanchez

The albatross around United’s collective neck. Sanchez has been horrendous signing, and by breaking their wage structure to get him, Ed Woodward handed all the negotiating power over to the players. It would be one thing of Sanchez were setting the world alight, but based on his year and half at United, he would barely be able to light a match. It remains to be seen how United try to move his hefty wages, but they have to try.

Verdict: Sell

Romelu Lukaku

Lukaku comes in for a lot of unreasonable criticism, but there is an underlying stream of truth. He has never quite looked comfortable, and the fanbase has not quite taken to him. With the right team around him, there is every chance he could return to the freely scoring striker he was at Everton, but if the right offer comes in, it would not be surprising to see him move on.

Verdict: Keep, but consider any reasonable offers.

Anthony Martial

Martial has been a frustrating player for United. Injuries and a perceived lack of effort continue to hold him back, but his potential is unquestionable. If Sanchez and Lukaku both move on, he should be retained at all costs. Even if only one of the other two leaves, I believe it is in the club’s best interests to retain him.

Verdict: Keep

Overall Verdict:

This summer will be defined by United’s performance in the transfer market. There is too much deadwood in the squad, and this group of players has been defined by the failures of the past few seasons.

A failure to refresh the squad will lead to the cycle repeating itself, but if the right steps are taken, and young, hungry players are brought in, perhaps Solskjaer can start guiding United back to where they once were.