Leny Yoro (Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United icon Paul Scholes has identified eight players he reckons the club ought to offload this summer in a bid to revamp the squad. United are challenging for a Champions League position under Michael Carrick, who continues in temporary charge of the club on an arrangement until the campaign’s conclusion.
There’s been considerable demand for Carrick to assume the role on a permanent basis, though United are in no hurry to appoint a replacement for Ruben Amorim. The club invested heavily in the most recent summer transfer window to prevent a repetition of last season’s disappointing top-flight performance.
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Those acquisitions have delivered results in the broader picture, but United remain considerably distant from challenging for major silverware. The continuing struggle with financial fair play rules means the club will need to sell in order to rebuild. Speaking on the The Good, The Bad and The Football podcast, Scholes was questioned about which players he would retain at the club, and whom he would offload.
Beginning with defender Leny Yoro, Scholes said: “I think he’s struggled, me. I think there’s something in there, I think he needs a bit of time, but if you had to make a choice now, I’d probably sell him.”
He wasn’t the only defender to face criticism from the former United midfielder. When quizzed about Noussair Mazraoui, Scholes was unequivocal: “Sell. I don’t know where he fits in. He’s been like a right-sided centre-half and they don’t play with three centre-halves anymore. if there’s three centre-halves then you’d probably have him as one of five or six but I think it’s probably time to let him go now.”
Turning his attention to Luke Shaw, Scholes remarked: “When he was playing consistently, I don’t think there was a better left-back in the world, not just Europe. But if you’re asking me now, and he’s done alright appearance-wise this year, but I’d sell him. He doesn’t play enough games.”
Patrick Dorgu was among those signed to operate within Amorim’s system, yet Scholes remains unconvinced about his role. He commented: “They brought him in as a wing-back and he’s not really played much there. I’d probably sell. I’m not sure what position he is. Again, if you keep him then he’s just a squad player.”
United are anticipated to strengthen their midfield options this summer, with Casemiro departing Old Trafford as the club are linked with numerous potential replacements.
Nevertheless, were Scholes to have his way, the Brazilian wouldn’t be the sole midfielder heading for the exit door. Regarding Mason Mount, Scholes stated: “I’d probably sell him and I like him, he’s a great footballer.
“But he’s never going to play in front of Bruno Fernandes. I’m not sure what other position he could play and he doesn’t play enough games.” Turning to Manuel Ugarte, Scholes said: “I think he’ll go.” The former England international also consigned Joshua Zirkzee to the sell pile.
Harry Maguire has put pen to paper on a new deal at the club, with his previous contract due to expire in the summer, yet Scholes doesn’t believe the England international is of sufficient quality to help the club challenge for the league or Champions League.
“Look, I think he’s been really good and he’s brought himself back from the dead really,” Scholes said. “I think he’s been sensational with what he’s done, I’m so so pleased for him, but I’m thinking about a Manchester United team you want to win the league and the Champions League and that’s where United should be aiming.
“I’m not sure you’d do that with Maguire, unless you’ve got someone like a Rio [Ferdinand] next to him then possibly, yeah. It’s Manchester United, you’ve got to be talking about winning the Premier League.
“If it’s one of four, you’d probably take him but I’d have De Ligt in that as one of four. I think they’re both quite similar but De Ligt is a little bit younger so that’s on his side, he’s a little bit quicker, so I’d probably just go for De Ligt.”