Five Manchester United players who featured in the defeat to Newcastle have uncertain futures at Old Trafford.
When assessing yet another Premier League away defeat, there is one striking aspect to the team Erik ten Hag selected to line up.
As many as five players in the starting XI have uncertain futures and may not be part of Manchester United’s future. That’s an unhealthy figure at this late stage of the season, although squad depth, injuries and suspensions leave Ten Hag with little choice.
Here’s a breakdown of the quintet who may not be part of United’s future…
David de Gea
Manchester United’s goalkeeper will be a free agent at the end of the current season. There are indications he may remain at the club, The Athletic report.
At present there is no agreement with David de Gea. Whether there should be, is another matter entirely.
De Gea is a divisive goalkeeper. A veteran who is a top shot stopper, with clear limitations in terms of his passing, and defending crosses.
It may now simply be time to try a different approach. United have an opportunity this summer to make a clean break.
Marcel Sabitzer
This match at Newcastle was a big opportunity for Marcel Sabitzer to make an impression and demonstrate why he is a must buy.
Unfortunately it was not a chance the loanee grasped. While the Austrian international might be a useful depth addition at the right price, he hardly feels like an essential buy after this performance.
He has two more games this week with Casemiro out to try and show he can be a solution. The jury is still out.
Scott McTominay
Paul Scholes had labelled Scott McTominay as a ‘perfect’ replacement for Casemiro. He couldn’t have been more wrong.
McTominay was found wanting against Newcastle. It wasn’t due to a lack of effort, he simply is not at the level Manchester United need.
The midfielder has been strongly linked with an exit from Old Trafford. The Telegraph report Newcastle have been discussing a move for him for several months.
It makes a lot of sense to move on at the end of the season. Manchester United need to upgrade at the position.
Diogo Dalot
After being Manchester United’s most improved player early in the season, Diogo Dalot has regressed.
The right-back’s contract expires in June 2024, and while a move to renew Luke Shaw’s contract is imminent, there is no such development with Dalot.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka appears the more dependable player at present when he is available. Dalot’s contract situation means that if Manchester United do sign a new right-back this summer, then it is the Portugal international who could get moved on.
Wout Weghorst
Another loanee, Wout Weghorst‘s contract at Manchester United runs only until the rest of the current season.
With only two goals scored in 19 matches, it is unlikely the Red Devil will look to retain the Burnley forward.
Weghorst has at least been reliable, and it’s possible he could join as a back-up if Anthony Martial is sold, but the case to land the Dutchman is getting weaker and weaker.
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