Here’s why Man United could make wholesale changes in 2019
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Manchester United have changed almost beyond recognition since Sir Alex Ferguson stepped down in 2013, and more seismic changes could be on the cards.
They are unlikely to come into major effect until 2019, but their impact could be felt this summer too.
According to transfermarkt.co.uk, the contracts of 11 first team players expire in 12 months time.
Among them are club stalwarts like 32-year-old pair Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia, each of whom may well run down their contracts and move on for nothing.
Equally, it could be time up for Matteo Darmian, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones too. But that trio still hold re-sale value.
But then there’s Juan Mata, Ander Herrera, Daley Blind, Anthony Martial and key man David de Gea. None of whom United would like to lose at all, let alone for free.
Granted, there are sure to be clauses abound for several players and many will surely sign new deals in the near future. But either way, it’s a difficult time.
Juventus have already been linked with a move for Martial. The Frenchman boasts bags of potential, but it’s unlikely to ever be fully discovered while Jose Mourinho is at Old Trafford.
Do United keep hold of him for one more year? Or cash in now?
De Gea will be the most concerning for the United boardroom, however. Real Madrid have been desperate to land the keeper for years.
Recent reports suggest the Spaniard is close to signing a new five-year deal with the Red Devils. But until that is officially confirmed, Real Madrid will be lurking.
Either way, we can expect plenty of ins and outs at Old Trafford next year.
The Red Devils are under huge pressure to catch up with their sky blue neighbours across the way. Jose Mourinho is similarly up against it to prove that he can still conquer the Premier League.
So this probably isn’t the best time to have a full XI of first-team contracts to sort out.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
