On Tuesday night, Manchester United’s Champions League ambitions were dashed by Atletico Madrid. The Red Devils were defeated by a goal from Ronan Lodi, ensuring that they will not win a trophy for the fifth year in a row. As they prepare to rebuild, Express Sport will now look at EVERY player who isn’t good enough and should leave in the aftermath of the defeat, regardless of whether they participated or not.
Dean Henderson
He was paid £150,000 every week to sit on the bench. United can receive a good price for the England international and utilize the money to invest in a cheaper backup goalkeeper to challenge David De Gea.
Harry Maguire
After three years, Harry Maguire still does not appear to be an £80 million defender. Leicester was probably his level, and he doesn’t exude power at the back.
Eric Bailly
Far too unpredictable. Almost never plays. The Ivory Coast international has been hampered by injuries for years and is no better than any other defender at the club.
Phil Jones
Another prone to injury asset. Phil Jones deserves credit, but he is well aware that his time at United should be coming to an end shortly if the club is properly managed. His career could have turned out differently if he hadn’t sustained the injuries he had throughout the years.
Nemanja Matic
His prime years are over, and Chelsea knew it when they let him go in the summer of 2017. The Serbia international has his usefulness, but he wouldn’t get game time at any other powerhouse, domestic or international.
Paul Pogba
Has been at the club since 2016 and blows far too hot and far too cold. The fact that he was left out of United’s biggest game of the season says it all, and the sooner he leaves on a free transfer with Mino Raiola, the better.
Jesse Lingard
Was rejected a transfer in January and has played seldom since, despite United’s lack of attacking options. Why was he imprisoned? Only the club’s hierarchy can answer such a question.
Juan Mata
Juan Mata is one of the most likable players in the game. On the field, he was excellent, but off the field, he was immaculate. However, the Spain international is no longer the player he once was, which means he should be released at the end of the season.
Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford hasn’t progressed nearly enough since making his debut during Louis van Gaal’s tenure as manager. Has the ability to be a hit, but he was completely ineffective when he came on against Atletico.
Edinson Cavani
He has his usefulness as a substitute, but he spends too much time injured – and telling coaches he isn’t in prime shape to play. A fading power.
Anthony Martial
Anthony Martial has been linked with a return to Manchester United once his loan term with Sevilla expires. Why? He’s another Rashford, a player who hasn’t contributed enough in his half-decade at the club.
Donny van de Beek
Everyone was quick to criticize Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for not playing Donny van de Beek, but his terrible performances for Everton suggest that his previous boss was correct all along.
Rangnick reacts to Atletico Madrid’s defeat
Ralf Rangnick criticized the referee’s performance after the game.
“”I think we played a very strong first half – precisely how we wanted to play with a high energy level – but we couldn’t convert it into one or two goals,” he remarked.
“We got a few good scoring chances but didn’t take advantage of them. It didn’t help matters that a counter-attacking goal was scored just before halftime.
“It was difficult in the second half and often interrupted. Someone was always lying on the floor.
“I’d also point out several odd refereeing decisions.” I wouldn’t say they were crucial, but he did succumb to those time-wasting tactics far too frequently, and the four minutes in the end were a comedy to me.”
