English players not happy at Manchester United

Not everyone at Manchester United will be pleased if Sheikh Jassim takes over from the Glazers.

As the takeover saga unfolds, the fate of these players remains uncertain, contingent on the ownership transition and subsequent strategic decisions.

Manchester United’s takeover saga has taken another twist after reports claimed that Sir Jim Ratcliffe was planning on restructuring his offer to make it more appealing to the Glazers, as neither the Brit nor Sheikh Jassim have yet to meet the current owners’ asking price of £6billion.

However, there has been speculation that Jassim could make another proposal closer to that valuation which may see him become the new custodian of the club. His arrival would likely prompt a mass spending spree, but that may not be beneficial to some players currently at the club. And Express Sport has looked at four players who could be in danger of being replaced.

 

Anthony Martial

Anthony Martial is playing for his Man Utd future, with his contract up at the end of the season and the club appearing unsure whether to activate the one-year option in his current deal.

He started the Carabao Cup 3-0 win over Crystal Palace on Tuesday evening, but an influx of Jassim’s cash could mean that Martial’s services are no longer required and there would be no issue signing another striker to compete with Hojlund.

Scott McTominay

Scott McTominay’s future at United is already in doubt after a lack of game time under Ten Hag saw him linked with moves to West Ham and Fulham in the summer, though those did not come to fruition and he remains at the club.

McTominay’s future at United is uncertain due to a lack of game time under Ten Hag, leading to links with moves to West Ham and Fulham in the previous summer, though none materialized. With Jassim potentially eyeing improvements in the midfield, McTominay’s role may be further marginalized. As a fringe player with considerable value, he could be among the first players considered for a potential exit.

One of next summer’s transfer tasks could be to dramatically improve the middle of the pitch, which has been accused of lacking balance, and under Jassim a new midfielder could come in potentially to play alongside Casemiro.

Not only would that be a hammer blow to McTominay’s chances of having a bigger role in the team, as a fringe player that has considerable value he could be one of the first players earmarked for a potential exit under Jassim – especially to help ease FFP concerns.

Harry Maguire

United’s defence has been criticised heavily this season and could be one of the areas targeted for improvement under Jassim. Another centre-back signing would further reduce the former captain’s standing in the squad, if Raphael Varane takes a step back and the favoured trio of the Frenchman, Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof are all retained.

It is likely that another centre-back coming in would see another leave and it could be time up for Harry Maguire, who has seemingly failed to win over Ten Hag.

United’s defense has faced criticism this season, prompting speculation that Jassim might target improvements in this area. Another center-back signing could impact the standing of current players. If Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, and Victor Lindelof are retained, Maguire could be at risk of being phased out, especially if he fails to win over Ten Hag.

Jadon Sancho

Jadon Sancho’s feud with boss Erik ten Hag has thrown his future at Old Trafford into doubt, but if Jassim does take over before next summer then it is likely that some star names could be signed to help bolster the forward line.

With Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford’s places secure in the front four, while United already made a huge potential £72million outlay on striker Rasmus Hojlund, that big-name addition could come on the right.

United have already had to spend one summer cautious of Financial Fair Play constraints and with Jassim likely planning to splash the cash upon his arrival, getting a fee and Sancho’s wages off the books would be seen as a major positive if his spat with Ten Hag cannot come to an amicable conclusion.

Potential Match Day Line up

Manchester United will host Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on match day seven of the 2023–24 Premier League season. Manchester United will be hoping to win again in the Premier League after beating Crystal Palace 3-0 at home in the English League Cup.

Known for their attacking prowess, Crystal Palace will be looking to push through and secure vital points against the Red Devils. Although Crystal Palace lost to Manchester United in the English League Cup at Old Trafford, they will want to show the Red Devils that they are not an easy opponent.

Below is how Manchester United could line up to secure a win against Crystal Palace.

In a 4-2-1-3 formation.

Keeper.

Andre Onana.

Central defenders.

Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans.

Back.

Viktor Lindelof.

Left rear.

Diogo Dalot.

Two defensive midfielders.

Sofyan Amrabat and Casemiro.

Attacking midfielder.

Bruno Fernandes.

Right wing.

Marcus Rashford.

Left wing.

Alejandro Garnacho.

Center forward.

Rasmus Hojlund.