If a transformation was what was expected this summer, Manchester United are yet to show they are truly serious about it.
With less than three weeks to go until the transfer window closes, the club has drafted in just three new signings and is yet to solve its quest for a new central-midfielder. United have coasted through the window, opposed to attacking it with full force, leaving the supporters deeply concerned as the deadline moves closer.
But it is not just in terms of players coming in where United have been slow this summer — departures have also been in short supply. After offloading several out-of-contract players at the end of last season, such as Jesse Lingard and Paul Pogba, everyone expected that several more would follow suit, either on loan or on permanent deals.
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However, United, at the time of writing, have offloaded just a handful of players, with Dean Henderson's loan move to Nottingham Forest and Andreas Pereira's permanent switch to Fulham being the biggest headlines so far. If all goes according to plan, Ethan Laird will be the next departure, with the right-back poised to join QPR on a season-long loan deal.
But with the clock ticking, United need to get their act together and trim the squad further, either by offloading players permanently or sending them out on loan. With that in mind, MEN Sport has taken a close look at seven faces United must attempt to move on before the bell.
Phil Jones
Signed by Sir Alex Ferguson more than a decade ago, it is beyond belief that Jones is still a United player. His career has been plagued by injury troubles in recent seasons, limiting him to just five appearances since January 2020.
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With a record like that, it is hardly surprising, in fairness, that United have not had suitors queuing up around the block to secure his signature this summer. But one way or another, United need to try and get him off their books. He is never going to rekindle his career at Old Trafford.
Verdict: Sell.
Eric Bailly
After showing promise in pre-season, some United supporters dared to suggest that Bailly could become a viable option under Erik ten Hag this season. But considering he has made just one competitive appearance for the club this calendar year, that is somewhat unlikely.
United have strengthened their centre-back options this summer, landing Lisandro Martinez, meaning Bailly has been pushed even further down the pecking order. Roma continue to be linked with his signature and a reunion with Jose Mourinho could be just what the Ivorian needs.
Verdict: Sell.
Axel Tuanzebe
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After his opportunities at Aston Villa had dried up following Steven Gerrard's appointment as manager last November, Tuanzebe joined Italian outfit Napoli on loan in January. However, his fortunes failed to change, and he played just two games.
He has returned to United and went on the pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia but had to leave early to deal with a 'small personal issue'. At 24 and out-of-contract next summer, it is clear he has no long-term future at the club. United should try and secure a transfer fee while they still can.
Verdict: Sell.
Di'Shon Bernard
Bernard spent last season on loan at Championship side Hull City and excelled for the Tigers, becoming a firm fans' favourite. He racked up 28 appearances in all competitions and benefitted from a full season of first-team football.
Considering he is only 21, another loan spell would do wonders to help him this season, you would think, ahead of United making a long-term decision on his future next year. He is very highly-rated and it is easy to understand why Hull have been so keen on landing him for a second time.
Verdict: Loan.
Teden Mengi
Another centre-back that spent time on loan in the Championship last season, linking up with Birmingham City for the second half of the season, is Mengi — who is another promising young player that could benefit from another loan stint elsewhere. Contracted until 2024 and not turning 21 until next April, a full season of first-team football would give the former Derby County loanee a chance to continue his development while playing.
He made positive strides at Birmingham and would have developed even further had luck on the injury front been kinder. He is one to watch over the coming years.
Verdict: Loan.
Ethan Galbraith
Galbraith spent time on loan at Doncaster Rovers last season, suffering the heartache of relegation to League Two. He made 36 appearances, scoring one goal and grabbing four assists.
At 21, the midfielder faces a key moment in his career this summer. He is unlikely to break into the first-team fold this year, meaning another loan move could be the best decision made. However, considering United want to add more midfielders to their ranks and Charlie Savage and Zidane Iqbal impressed in pre-season, Galbraith's long-term future may be better off elsewhere.
Verdict: Sell.
Tahith Chong
Considering Chong has been on United's books since 2016 and has made just 16 first-team appearances and been sent out on loan three times during that time, it is unlikely that he has a long-term future at Old Trafford. He started the recent pre-season friendly with Rayo Vallecano and appeared well below the standard required.
He is a solid operator on his day, but not at the level United want to perform at. A permanent departure would be best for everyone.
Verdict: Sell.
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