Manchester United Pair Shown the Exit Doors at Old Trafford

After a disastrous 2021/22 season, Manchester United are looking for renewed life under their new manager Erik ten Hag. The former Ajax gaffer has already assumed his duties at Old Trafford and is outlining his summer transfer plans.

Though the Red Devils are yet to sign a player, four players have already departed from the club. Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata, and Nemanja Matic are the four players who have already left the club. The outgoings do not stop there.

According to reports, Manchester United’s center-backs, Eric Bailly and Axel Tuanzebe, are set to leave the Old Trafford outfit.

The tweet reads:

"Both Eric Bailly and Axel Tuanzebe are set to leave Manchester United this summer – decision made. Diogo Dalot’s expected to stay at Manchester United this summer, Aaron Wan-Bissaka has chances to leave waiting for new proposals."

Eric Bailly and Axel Tuanzebe in Manchester United colors:

Jose Mourinho signed Eric Bailly from the Spanish outfit, Villarreal, in a deal worth €38 million in 2016. After a bright start to his English top-flight career, game time has become scarce for the Ivory Coast international. Along with his inconsistent performances, injuries have marred his career.

In the 2021/22 season, the player only featured in seven games across all competitions.
Axel Tuanzebe, on the other hand, broke into the Man United first-team squad under Louis van Gaal but did not feature in any game. However, Jose Mourinho played him five times in the 2016/17 season.

Due to lack of game time and stiff competition, they sent the English international on loan to Championship side Aston Villa. The player rejoined the Premier League giants after helping Aston Villa secure promotion to the top flight.

Axel Tuanzebe got a chance to even captain Manchester United during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s term at Old Trafford. However, his poor form and injuries put his career on the back foot. The player even had a tough time on loan at Aston Villa in 2021/22 and was recalled by the Red Devils.

Ralf Rangnick, the interim manager, sent him out on loan to Napoli for the rest of the 2021/22 season. He only featured in two games in Italy. There have been no teams linked with their potential arrival as of yet.

Who is left in Manchester United’s central defense now?

With two senior central defenders leaving the club, Red Devils are stuck with Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Raphael Varane, and Phil Jones in the defense area.

The club is in talks to sign Jurien Timber from Ajax, but a deal is yet to conclude. Manchester United has also been linked with Pau Torres of Villarreal. Another CB that could still leave the club is Phil Jones.