Manchester United may have spent the most of any Premier League club during the summer but Jose Mourinho’s squad is far from complete.
Indeed, the Red Devils entered the weekend at sixth place in the league table and appear to be little more than a sideshow in this season’s Premier League title race.
Mourinho reportedly believes it will take at least two more transfer windows to transform the squad he inherited from Louis van Gaal, which missed out on Champions League qualification last season.
That suggests the Portuguese already has a number of expensive additions, of similar stature and price to world-record signing Paul Pogba, in mind as he looks to restore the club’s former glories.
But before Mourinho gets to the point where he can make further glamorous signings, he must trim the fat at Old Trafford first.
And there’s no better time to start than in the January transfer window – so here’s a rundown of FIVE players Mourinho should look to axe in the new year.
Phil Jones
After six seasons at Old Trafford, Phil Jones is more memorable for his ludicrous facial expressions than his ability to defend.
Jones was once touted as a potential England captain, but the former Blackburn starlet has not progressed due to injuries and a severe lack of form.
Jones is a versatile defender who shouldn’t be underestimated. But if United want to progress further, players like Jones must be sold to make way for improvements.
Wayne Rooney
Whether you’re his biggest fan or not, there’s no denying Wayne Rooney’s best days as a Premier League footballer are long gone.
Rooney regularly becomes the scapegoat for both club and country following his recent dismal displays. United are struggling for form, particularly up top, and after nearly thirteen years of service, it may be time for Mourinho to end Rooney’s tenure at Old Trafford.
A return to Everton may interest all parties, whilst a move to the Chinese Super League shouldn’t be ruled out either.
Marcos Rojo
Rojo was pursued by United for many months following the appointment of Louis Van Gaal in 2014.
Since then, however, the Argentine defender has become an enormous failure with little-to-no progression made during his three seasons at Old Trafford. His impact on the side has been limited, despite injuries forcing him into a starting berth recently, and he remains yet another player not good enough for the Red Devils’ aspirations.
Mourinho has favoured Rojo when Luke Shaw was injured but United must aim bigger and better.
Matteo Darmian
Darmian was expected to fill the void left by Gary Neville since the right-back’s retirement in 2011.
However, the Italy international has not settled into in England and continues to struggle with the pace of the Premier League, whilst the ability to play on either flank has been as much a blessing as a curse.
This January, Mourinho must cut his losses with Darmian and consider a move for one of the better right-backs in the Premier League. Everton’s Seamus Coleman particularly comes to mind.
Bastian Schweinsteiger
If Mourinho does not favour a player, their tenure at that club is over – period.
Schweinsteiger has been frozen out of Mourinho’s plans since the Portuguese took over at Old Trafford in June. The German remains one of the most decorated players in European football, but that does little too wet Mourinho’s appetite.
As one of the club’s highest earners, the Special One must consider selling the World Cup winner to lower the wage bill at Old Trafford.
