By Sulaimon Jamiu
Manchester United are on a track of an exceptional summer of rebuilding with Erik ten Hag now the new manager and starting to weigh up his options.
Aftermath of a disastrous and disappointing end, trophyless campaign and facing the fact of no Champions League football next term, the Red-Devils have began a mission to form a formidable team with regards to the next season. The big-money arrivals of Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho last summer failed to mask the squad’s many glaring weaknesses, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sacked in November and Ralf Rangnick not living up to expectation as the interim manager.
Below are some of the outgoing players:
1. Paul Pogba
The Frenchman exit from the club has been confirmed by a statement on their official website, which reads: “The club can announce that Paul Pogba will leave Manchester United at the end of June, upon the expiry of his contract”, bringing to an end a disappointing second-stint at Old Trafford, encompassed by more drama than success.
2. Juan Mata
The Spaniard played his last game as a Manchester United player on May 22nd as confirmed by Manchester United. “El-Mago” as popularly known who is now a free agent, joined the Red-Devils in 2014 for a then club-record fee of £37.1 million. He appeared 285 times and scored 51 times during this time.
3. Jesse Lingard
The Englishman and Man United’s academy graduate who came to limelight in the 2015/16 season, has ended his twenty years relationship with the club as he announces his exit from the Old Trafford on June 1st.
Ha was capped 232 times, scored 35 goals, and lifted 5 trophies during his stint.
4. Nemanja Matic
The Serbian midfielder announced last month that he would be leaving the Reds in the summer following a five-year spell at Old Trafford. Matic has already bid farewell to the supporters after the win over Brentford. His most memorable moment for the United fans is his winning goal from a comeback against Crystal Palace.
5. Edinson Cavani
The Uruguayan centre-forward has outlined his immense gratitude to the club’s fans for the support they have shown him throughout his two-year spell, as he calls time on his United career.
Cavani signed for United in a deadline day transfer in October 2020, and made a notable impact in his debut season. Particular highlights included his two goals and assist as a substitute at Southampton, four goals in the UEFA Europa League semi-finals against AS Roma.
6. Eric Bailly
Eric Bailly is reportedly heading for the exit door at Manchester United this summer, as the centre back has not lived up to expectation since his arrival from Villarreal.
The 28-year-old made only seven appearances for the 20-time English champions during the 2021-22 campaign, with just four of those outings coming in the Premier League. The Ivorian’s United career has since be plagued by injury.
7. Lee Grant
The 39-year-old announces his retirement from professional football. He joined the Reds in 2018 having previously played for Derby County, Burnley, Oldham Athletic, Sheffield Wednesday and Stoke City, tallying up over 500 career appearances.
During his time at Old Trafford, Grant featured twice in competitive games for United, with his debut coming against former side Derby in the 2018/19 League Cup third round at Old Trafford.
