Jose Mourinho has begun making major roster decisions ahead of his first campaign as manager of the Red Devils. Late last week reports highlighted his choice to purge nine players from the current squad, with several notable names jumping off the page.
From world-class veterans to several promising youth products, his choices have touched a wide range of individuals within the club. While the actions taken are certainly not completely unexpected (The Special One tends to shake things up a bit when joining a new team), the timing and players involved have certainly raised some eyebrows.
We highlight those believed to be involved and some others who may be on Mourinho’s shortlist for a permanent vacation from Old Trafford.
4BASTIAN SCHWEINSTEIGER
The player who grabbed the most attention from these possible changes is German midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger. Having only just arrived last summer to great fanfare, the World Cup champion became the only German to ever feature in United’s first team, and many believed his presence in the middle of the pitch could drive Louis Van Gaal’s team towards success.
Suspensions and injuries limited “Schweini” to only 18 league appearances and one goal, as he was unable to find a rhythm within the squad. After over a decade of playing for Bayern Munich, the 31-year-old midfield legend always seemed a bit out of place and uncomfortable in his new surroundings.
It has been a difficult summer for Bastian, as Germany failed to reach the Euro 2016 final, and he eventually called it quits for his international career as well. It can be assumed that he will look to head back to the Bundesliga, and there will certainly be no shortage of clubs wanting to bring him on board.
With Paul Pogba’s signing waiting in the wings, Bastian’s midfield role and contributions look unnecessary for Jose Mourinho in the future.
ADNAN JANUZAJ
The focus of what is always surprising about hearing Januzaj’s name is the fact that he is still only 21 years old. It feels like a long, long time ago that the Belgian midfielder burst onto the scene for David Moyes’ squad in 2013 and promptly sent a high-speed hype train out of the station.
Making his first start against Sunderland in October of that year, Januzaj’s pace and quality shined bright as his exciting brace was enough for a 2-1 United victory at the Stadium of Light. Supporters and pundits immediately took notice, and big things were expected of the teenager moving forward.
But unfortunately, that’s where the seemingly destined superstar’s path began to unravel.
After finding his playing time decrease in the second half of the 2013-14 campaign, Januzaj began to see his role diminish in all competitions. A loan deal last year to Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund fizzled as well, resulting in the young winger being called back early.
Even with all the potential he showed, Januzaj ultimately feels surplus to what United need at the moment. With several other options at the young player’s preferred positions, Mourinho feels it is time to move on.
JAMES WILSON
In a similar category to Januzaj, we find Manchester United academy product James Wilson, discovering Jose Mourinho to be less than thrilled with his abilities. The 20-year-old striker is entering his third season with the senior team and has been unable to find consistent minutes on the pitch.
Three goals for the Red Devils over that period is clearly short of expectations, and the Staffordshire native is expected to leave before the transfer window closes.
The forward position is always one of quality at United, and with Marcus Rashford bursting onto the scene for the Red Devils last year, Wilson just could not do enough to prove his worth.
PADDY MCNAIR
Multiple injuries to a squad’s defence can cause major headaches, but it can also open up the door for a club’s reserves to make an impact. Northern Irish centre-back Paddy McNair did just that for Louis Van Gaal at the beginning of the 2014-15 campaign, helping to be part of four straight victories in his first four United starts.
He went on to make 16 Premier League appearances for the Red Devils and showed great ability to play in Van Gaal’s three-man backline when needed. But after only making eight appearances overall last season, it seems that McNair does not have the quality to compete for minutes when the squad is fully healthy.
Expect Mourinho to bring in a CB replacement either this summer or in January.
WILL KEANE
Forward Will Keane has travelled a lot since being called up from Manchester United’s academy in 2011. The 23-year-old has seen loan moves all over England during the past few years, including Wigan Athletic, Queens Park Rangers, and Preston North End.
A knee ligament injury in 2012 certainly hindered his progress, as his size and goal-scoring ability were on great display at that time for the United Reserves.
However, Jose Mourinho has deemed him expendable because he has failed to establish himself as a striker at any point on the senior level in the past few seasons.
TYLER BLACKETT
Signing on to Manchester United’s academy as an 8-year-old, Tyler Blackett has struggled to find playing time in the Red Devils squad. Like fellow defender Paddy McNair, Blackett found a chance to shine during the 2014-15 season when injuries took their toll early on during the team’s campaign.
Playing well as a centre-back in Van Gaal’s much-loved 3-5-2 formation, Blackett found the Dutch coach singing his praises for his positioning and made twelve Premier League appearances overall.
A loan move to Scottish Premiership champions Celtic last season featured mixed reviews, and with several young defenders on their way out, Mourinho appears poised to add new players to United’s backline.