Five Manchester United stars are at risk of losing their place at the club as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer prepares for a squad overhaul in the coming months.
It remains unclear when the next transfer window will take place, as the coronavirus crisis continues to ground football across the world, but United chiefs are said to still be working behind the scenes as they plan their transfer strategy for the next few months.
To fund three or four new summer arrivals, it looks like Solskjaer will be forced to ditch some of his current stock.
The Manchester Evening News reported that five players face an uncertain future at United, including Andreas Pereira and Jesse Lingard. The former has featured regularly this term, but has seen his game-time dwindle in recent months.
Bruno Fernandes’ arrival has caused one midfield spot in Solskjaer’s XI to go, leaving Pereira out of action at times.
As for Lingard, the former England international has been struggling for form in recent months. The attacker’s lack of goals and assists has seen his stock plummet among football fans.
Phil Jones is another facing the exit door after falling down the pecking order.
Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof are United’s go-to pairing at the heart of the defence.
While Eric Bailly and Axel Tuanzebe have also featured at times this season, Chris Smalling’s Roma loan deal could become permanent.
However, Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham have also been linked with a shock switch.
Meanwhile, Alexis Sanchez is the fifth player facing an Old Trafford exit.
The Chilean has spent the season at Inter Milan but is likely to leave United upon his return, with the club actively seeking a buyer.
The football landscape going forward remains uncertain. But Solskjaer is confident United will come through the crisis in a strong position.
“Football is going to get back to normality at one point and it’s very important we’re ready when that happens,” he said.