Reports from Brazilian outlet Esporte Interativo claim Andreas Pereira is set to leave the club this summer.
It is claimed that Pereira is negotiating with teams in Portugal, Germany and Spain, with Valencia being open to the return of a player who previously starred on loan.
Pereira has struggled for game time since Bruno Fernandes signed and has not started a single game since lockdown.
An exit is in his best interests if he wants to play regularly and a move abroad would not be a surprise for the 24-year-old.
James Garner could leave too
Championship clubs have been expressing interest in James Garner, with The Sun claiming Bournemouth and Swansea City are keen.
Under-23s coach Neil Wood told the MEN this week he would encourage Garner, and Tahith Chong, to seek loan moves.
Wood said: “If they are not going to be part of the first team there is no reason to keep them playing in the Under-23s, it wouldn’t be right for their own individual development.”
Pereira’s possible exit does not open a door for Garner and is unlikely to see him stay put. However, with the two of tipped set to leave, United will be short on midfield cover.
So United will need to sign a new midfielder
Pereira played 37 games for United this season, some of those in central midfield due to injury crisis, away at Sheffield United and at home to Aston Villa.
Garner featured in six games in total, four of them in the Europa League.
In a 2020/21 season which will feature a packed and intense fixture schedule, United need to have rotational options, especially if Pereira departs, and Garner temporarily.
The exits are just rumoured at this stage, but they are logical moves for the duo.
A versatile player is required to provide cover for United, and Ajax star Donny van de Beek, linked by The Times, would be absolutely perfect.
Whether it is Van de Beek, or even a blockbuster move for Thiago Alcantara, or another young, up and coming player, United need more strength in depth.
Nemanja Matic was being pushed to the limit at the end of this past season, and while Scott McTominay was being used sparingly, we saw this campaign how injuries can decimate the club’s options.
United need to go into next season prepared. Exits are all well and good, and these paths for Pereira and Garner would make sense, but United cannot leave the team short.
Solutions will have to be found in the transfer market before the deadline. Failing to prepare, is preparing for failure.
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