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In the wake of Manchester United’s recent challenges, Darren Fletcher is stepping back into familiar territory, ready to helm the club’s Under-18 team for the rest of the season. However, before assuming his new responsibilities, Fletcher didn’t shy away from delivering some hard truths to the senior squad.
Following United’s disappointing exit from the FA Cup at the hands of Brighton, which marked a historic low with the fewest games played in a season in over a century, Fletcher conveyed a clear message to the players. He emphasized that with 17 matches remaining, the team members need to demonstrate their commitment and capability if they wish to secure their futures at Old Trafford.
Fletcher was candid in his assessment, describing the squad as ‘fragile.’ He stressed that while the arrival of a new interim head coach might provide some much-needed motivation, the onus is ultimately on the players to prevent another season from slipping away.
United interim boss Darren Fletcher is likely to return back to the club’s Under-18s this week
The Red Devils crashed out of the FA Cup on Sunday evening after losing 2-1 at home to Brighton
One player under scrutiny is Senne Lammens, the 23-year-old goalkeeper who joined the team during the summer transfer window. Despite the scarcity of clean sheets, which seem as rare as sunny days in Manchester, Lammens has introduced a level of composure between the posts that was absent during Andre Onana’s tenure. His presence is seen as a valuable asset for any upcoming rebuild.
Verdict: KEEP
VERDICT: KEEP
Altay Bayindir (Goalkeeper, 27)
United were shopping the Turk around in the summer and given the form of Radek Vitek out on loan at Bristol City, expect United to move on from Bayindir this summer and the 27-year-old to return to his homeland for a fresh start.
VERDICT: LET GO
Tom Heaton (Goalkeeper, 39)
His value behind the scenes can go unspoken about and so while he doesn’t play someone like Heaton is worth keeping in the building. Turns 40 in April and he’s already got his eyes on a post-playing role. Should land a job behind the scenes like Fletcher.
VERDICT: KEEP (NON-PLAYING ROLE)
Harry Maguire (Defender, 32)
The fact United have allowed his contract to run to its final few months means separation is soon to be on the horizon. He’s bailed United out on more than one occasion – Porto and Lyon spring to mind – and for as stoic as he’s been in rough times, United need a clean break from their former captain as they rebuild for the future. Will prove a major asset to whoever he joins next.
VERDICT: LET GO
Matthjis de Ligt (Defender, 26)
Strangely he is one of the most criticised defenders in the league by rival supporters, despite performing well up until a back injury sidelined him. Moving forward I think De Ligt plus one of Heaven or Yoro as the centre back pairing is the way to go for any new boss.
VERDICT: KEEP
Senne Lammens only arrived in the summer and while clean sheets are about as rare as sunny days in Manchester, he has brought a sense of calm in goal
The fact United have let Harry Maguire’s contract run to its final few months means separation is soon to be on the horizon
Lisandro Martinez (Defender, 27)
As the best ball-playing centre back at the club, there is certainly a place for Martinez. He has had rotten luck with injuries but given his versatility as a No 6 option – as he showed away to Aston Villa – as well as at centre back, he’s a sensible squad piece to keep around.
VERDICT: KEEP
Ayden Heaven (Defender, 19)
Signed for £1.5million and has shown he is capable of being a started centre back in the Premier League. Not the finished article but at 19 he doesn’t need to be. Won’t be going anywhere.
VERDICT: KEEP
Leny Yoro (Defender, 20)
Has had a difficult season with more downs than ups but Yoro’s talent has never been called in to question. There was a reason teams like Real Madrid were jockeying to sign him while he was at Lille. This bumpy maturation phase should pay off in the longer term.
VERDICT: KEEP
Luke Shaw (Defender, 30)
Looked like he was reviving his career at left centre back under Ruben Amorim but with back three football set to be a thing of the past at United, feels like a good time for Luke Shaw to move on. Doesn’t have the athleticism he once had to play as a left back and after 11 years at the club, a clean break suits all parties.
VERDICT: LET GO
Patrick Dorgu (Defender, 21)
Has been at the club a year and has played left wing-back, right wing-back, left winger, and a right winger, in both a back three system and a back four. Has shown flashes of quality with some of his assists but is very much a work in progress. Deserves a fair shot under a new manager.
VERDICT: KEEP
Diogo Dalot (Defender, 26)
It’s no accident that whichever manager walks through the door they all praise the professionalism and work ethic of Dalot. But it’s time for United to freshen things up on both sides at full-back. Shaw and Dalot have had enough chances.
VERDICT: LET GO
Ayden Heaven was signed for £1.5million and has shown he is capable of being a starting centre back in the Premier League
It feels like a good time for Luke Shaw to move on, despite briefly reviving his career in Ruben Amorim’s back three
Noussair Mazraoui (Defender, 28)
Versatile across multiple positions and while there aren’t too many highs, he’s a very good squad player to have around. United have a lot they need to fix but shifting Mazraoui shouldn’t be part of the rebuild.
VERDICT: KEEP
Tyrell Malacia (Defender, 26)
Was part of Ruben Amorim’s infamous bomb squad before finding a route back into the first team group, via the Under-21s and Under-18s, after a move to Elche collapsed. Won’t be here next season. Just a long, drawn-out exit.
VERDICT: LET GO
Bruno Fernandes (Midfielder, 31)
Between now and the end of the season there will be pockets of the fan-base calling to move on from Bruno Fernandes. There are also certain figures upstairs that would probably quite like it to happen, too. Getting rid of him would be complete idiocy… so they may well do it.
VERDICT: KEEP
Mason Mount (Midfielder, 27)
Arrived to great expectations under Erik ten Hag and then got to reboot things under Ruben Amorim. Mount works hard but that doesn’t mean he gets endless opportunities to live up to his £60m price tag. Last chance saloon territory for the Englishman.
VERDICT: KEEP
Casemiro (Midfielder, 33)
Has taken a lot of seriously unfair criticism in recent seasons but for a player that is the club’s top earner, that turns 34 next month, and is out of contract in the summer (save for a club option they are unlikely to trigger) a separation feels inevitable. United need a fresh start in midfield and that means moving Casemiro on.
VERDICT: LET GO
Casemiro’s Old Trafford deal is up in the summer and, as he turns 34 next month, it’s time for him to move on
Bruno Fernandes’, the Red Devils’ club captain, is still a crucial player despite some of those upstairs at Old Trafford seemingly being keen to move him on
Manuel Ugarte (Midfielder, 24)
It just hasn’t worked out since he arrived from Paris Saint-Germain and it is in everyone’s interests to go separate ways in the summer. Ugarte’s career is stalling for a player that is just 24 and United’s midfield is set for major surgery.
VERDICT: LET GO
Kobbie Mainoo (Midfielder, 20)
One of the storylines of the season to this point. Given he’s started just two matches – against Grimsby Town and Brighton – he deserves a fair crack of the whip under new management to prove his quality. With major midfield additions expected in the summer, he’s on the clock to make his case to be a No 1 option.
VERDICT: KEEP
Matheus Cunha (Attacker, 26)
Has produced plenty of performances where only the eye test can underscore just how important he was. He’s also produced plenty of performances devoid of the quality many expected after his £62.5m move from Wolves. Still think he rises to the challenge as his time at United wears on.
VERDICT: KEEP
Bryan Mbeumo (Attacker, 26)
The best of their summer signings and is at no risk of being moved on from any time soon. Premier League proven and is the club’s top scorer this season. At a prime age and has broad enough shoulders to play for a club the size of United. No brainer.
VERDICT: KEEP
Joshua Zirkzee (Attacker, 24)
Looked destined to leave with Ruben Amorim in situ but United have pivoted away now that Amorim has been sacked. Still feels like it would be a miracle to see him in a United shirt for the start of next season.
VERDICT: LET GO
Amad (Attacker, 23)
A move away from wing-backs and a back three system has raised questions about where Amad fits in given he plays on the same side as Bryan Mbeumo. Far too talented to even consider moving on from. Needs a prominent role in any United line-up moving forward.
VERDICT: KEEP
Benjamin Sesko (Attacker, 22)
Having cut their losses on Rasmus Hojlund, £73m man Sesko is now the only No 9 at the football club and so, simply put, they have to make it work out long term. Showed exactly what he can do when he gets quality service.
VERDICT: KEEP
