Several Manchester United players have barely featured this season and there’s a good chance a few more could follow Anthony Martial out of the door in the coming days
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Rangnick comments on Martial’s future as Deadline Day nears
Manchester United forward Anthony Martial is set to join Sevilla on loan for the rest of the season… and he may not be the only player heading for the exit this month.
Several United stars have been linked with a move away from Old Trafford throughout January and it’s believed Ralf Rangnick is happy to reduce the size of his squad.
Numerous players haven’t made a single Premier League start this season and are desperate to escape the clutches of the bench and express themselves on the pitch.
Departures will also allow interim manager Rangnick to sign fresh talent, with United keen to bring in a new central midfielder in the near future.
But who else could leave Old Trafford? Here, Mirror Football takes a look at six possible exits before transfer deadline day.
Who should Manchester United sign in January? Let us know in the comments below!
Jesse Lingard
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Perhaps the most likely departure is Lingard, who – one way or another – will end his 22-year love affair with United this year.
The England international, 26, is out of contract in June and will not renew his existing deal after failing to make a Premier League start for the Red Devils in two years.
Lingard flourished on loan at West Ham during the second half of last season, but he’s unlikely to return to London this month due to the Hammers battling United for a Champions League spot.
Newcastle remain his most realistic destination, even if it’s just for the final six months of his Old Trafford deal.
According to 90min, The Toon have offered United a £10million loan fee for Lingard, effectively buying out the rest of his contract.
Lingard would then be free to sign a permanent deal at Newcastle in the summer, should they survive relegation to the Championship.
It sounds like a dream scenario for all parties, although the winger may want to avoid the stress of a relegation scrap.
Nice are another option for Lingard, who may jump at the opportunity of playing abroad. The French outfit are second in Ligue 1 – 11 points behind leaders Paris Saint-Germain.
Eric Bailly or Phil Jones
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United only have five senior centre-backs at their disposal and, considering they are still competing on three fronts, won’t want to sell more than one – at the very most.
The most likely to leave is Bailly, who is a target for AC Milan. According to Italian outlet Foot Mercato, the Serie A title candidates are ramping up their efforts to sign the Ivorian, 27.
Milan need to replace injured centre-back Simon Kjaer – who is expected to be out for the rest of the season – if they want to beat rivals Inter Milan to the title.
And, after making just 70 Premier League appearances in five-and-a-half years, Bailly may be keen on jumping the Old Trafford ship.
If Bailly stays, though, that could allow Jones to leave. Like Bailly, Jones hasn’t played much recently – starting his first game in two years against Wolves earlier this month.
Injuries have restricted the 29-year-old’s progress, but he’s fit again and may pursue a move to reignite his once promising career.
According to the Daily Mail, Benfica are interested in signing Jones this month. Potential suitors will be concerned about his injury record, however.
Juan Mata
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Who? I hear you ask. Remarkably, Mata is still on the books at United and isn’t believed to be struggling with an injury.
The World Cup winner was expected to leave Old Trafford last summer after making just nine Premier League outings in 2020-21, but he opted to sign a 12-month extension in July.
Since then, he’s played just three games in all competitions and, at 33, must be considering his future.
Reports last month suggested United are considering ripping up the final six months of his contract, allowing him to join Spanish side Real Sociedad.
That move would see Mata play alongside Manchester City legend David Silva, forming an iconic veteran partnership.
The Spaniard is too good to sit in United’s reserves and a revival abroad – or maybe even retirement – can’t be too far away.
Amad Diallo
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The teenager remains a big part of United’s future after completing a £19m move from Atalanta this time last year, yet he isn’t expected to play in the coming months.
The 19-year-old, who is currently completing in the Africa Cup of Nations with the Ivory Coast, has made just one appearance in all competitions this season.
Diallo was set to join Dutch outfit Feyenoord on a season-long loan in August before an injury saw the deal collapse, yet he still might get his temporary move this month.
Feyenoord are still thought to be interested, while Championship side Birmingham City came close to completing a loan deal around two weeks ago.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Diallo will “100 per cent” leave United on loan in January. Watch this space!
Donny van de Beek
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It’s fair to say Van de Beek’s United career hasn’t worked out as planned since he left Ajax 16 months ago.
The Dutchman, 24, has made just four Premier League starts – none coming this season – and is reportedly keen on quitting Old Trafford in the near future.
Rangnick wants him to stay and fight for his place but, according to Romano, Crystal Palace and Valencia have both asked to take the player on loan.
A temporary move – particularly to Palace – could be the perfect solution for all parties. United will get the chance to see Van de Beek play consistently in the Premier League, while the midfielder can make a decision on his career.
The Red Devils reportedly still see a future for Van de Beek at Old Trafford, despite his lack of minutes under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Michael Carrick and Rangnick.
Can Palace or Valencia get a deal over the line before the deadline? It will be tricky – but certainly not impossible.
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