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The ten men Man Utd must SELL with failing squad in desperate need of massive transfer overhaul

Michael Carrick understands 'frustrations and disappointment' of Man Utd supporters

MICHAEL CARRICK is under pressure, while a huge chunk of his floundering Manchester United squad are also facing major doubts about their futures.

United supporters made their feelings clear during Sunday’s 4-4 draw against Aston Villa after the visitors raced into a 2-0 lead inside the opening five minutes.

Michael Carrick looking concerned with his arms crossed on the sideline.
Results so far this season have left Michael Carrick’s job at Manchester United in question
Manchester United v Aston Villa FC - Premier League 2026/27
Patrick Dorgu’s last minute equaliser against Aston Villa on Sunday probably wasn;t enough to save Carrick from being sacked

Chants of “you’re not fit to wear the shirt” were directed at the players as questions mount over their performances and the club’s transfer business.

But while managers have come and gone, the problems within the squad have remained.

SunSport takes a look at how United’s next rebuild could go – and names who should stay… and who MUST go…

KEEP

Senne Lammens has endured a difficult spell recently, but United should not lose faith in the young goalkeeper. He showed his quality last season and, at just 24, has plenty of time to develop.

Noussair Mazraoui is also worth keeping, given his versatility and ability to provide cover in both full-back positions.

At centre-back, Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro, both 20, have huge potential but need reliable, experienced defenders around them to help bring out their best level consistently.

Kobbie Mainoo should be at the heart of United’s future, while fellow central midfielders Youri Tielemans, Carlos Baleba and Andrey Santos have only just arrived and deserve time to make their mark.

Patrick Dorgu is another worth persevering with. The 22-year-old made a bright impact off the bench against Villa, setting up Joshua Zirkzee before heading in the equaliser.

Manchester United v ACF Fiorentina - Pre-Season Friendly
Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have proven to be decent signings for United

Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo only joined last summer and should also remain as part of the rebuild.

Amad Diallo has plenty of quality and a positive attitude, while Shea Lacey continues to show why he is one of the club’s most exciting prospects with his contributions from the bench.

Benjamin Sesko also deserves time to get himself back fit, with the striker capable of leading the line for years to come.

SELL

United need to do something similar to what Manchester City did in the summer of 2017 – build a new defence.

Luke Shaw has been at Old Trafford since 2014, Diogo Dalot since 2018 and Harry Maguire since 2019 – too long in all three cases.

Lisandro Martinez has recently spoke out against the club, and history suggests that a player moves on swiftly at United when it happens.

Matthijs de Ligt and Mason Mount have struggled with injuries, but in truth neither have convinced enough when they have played.

Illustration listing Manchester United players to sell, including Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, and Bruno Fernandes, and players to keep, including Leny Yoro, Kobbie Mainoo, and Amad Diallo.
Manchester United face big decisions on who to keep and sell over the next year
Infographic comparing the post-Ferguson Manchester United managers' records after 32 games, showing Ten Hag with the highest win percentage at 71.90% and Amorim with the lowest at 37.50%.
Carrick’s record compared to his predecessors post Sir Alex Ferguson
Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United hands over the captain's armband to Harry Maguire.
It could well be the last season at Manchester United for Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire

In the cases of Joshua Zirkzee and Manuel Ugarte, both are well off the pace required to play in the Premier League.

Bruno Fernandes is a difficult one given his importance to the side, but with his contract up next summer, perhaps it is time for both parties to consider a new challenge.

Marcus Rashford also appears to have little desire to be at Old Trafford, making a permanent departure the sensible option.

Now it’s over to the board and whoever they decide to replace Carrick with – assuming he is gone – to decide who gets the chop.

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