3 key players Manchester United could lose this summer

It has been four months since Ole has been at the wheel. However, chaperone Ole had a much better record before he took charge of the wheel.

In simpler words, let's look at the difference in Ole the caretaker manager and Ole the manager:

Ole's record as a caretaker manager: 19 games played with an average of 2.32 points per game.

Ole's record as a manager: 8 games played with an average of 0.88 points per game.

So now Ole is a great manager and a great guy. With a record like that, hiring was a no-brainer for the United board. He has a history with the club, played under the great Ferguson era, breathes the United philosophy - to be honest, it did look like a match made in heaven.

Until this weekend...

Despite Scott McTominay's 8th minute opener, the match with Huddersfield ended in a draw. Securing just 5 points in their last 5 Premier League games, the away result at Huddersfield marked a definitive end to their Premier League campaign - Europa League Football.

With that Manchester United - one of the most successful English clubs in Europe - have missed out on a place in next year's UEFA Champions League. That makes it two in three seasons now that United have failed to qualify for the tournament.

Unfortunately for the fans, things only look to be getting worse. If one's to believe the reports that are coming out in the papers on a daily basis, it could mean trouble for United.

Rebuilding teams is difficult - one only has to look at Liverpool and Tottenham in the recent past. Can an inexperienced campaigner like Ole manage the attitudes and rising demands of his star players? Or should United fans brace themselves for the worst?

Because if these 3 players do depart this summer, the club is surely in trouble.

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#3. Ander Herrera

Herrera is reportedly closing in on a move to PSG

A little dynamite who puts his all into every challenge - from the first whistle to the last - Ander Herrera is definitely going to be an absence at the heart of the United midfield.

Unfortunately for United fans, this looks like a done deal. Coming to the end of his current contract, it looks like Herrera is going to be moving to PSG this summer. According to numerous reports, like the one in AS, Herrera has agreed to a four-year deal with the French champions.

It looks like it's going to be a like-for-like replacement with Herrera coming in for the departing Rabiot who is also a free-agent this summer.

Strong, talented and composed on the ball - there are a lot of reasons why Rabiot seems to be the perfect midfielder for the Premier League. However, United face stiff competition from a number of other European clubs like Tottenham, Arsenal & Liverpool. Juventus are another club that's strongly linked to the Frenchman.

#2. David De Gea

De Gea has not renewed his contract with the club

While this may not be David De Gea's best season in goal, let's not forget that David De Gea is the only Manchester United player to have ever won the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year Award four times (2014, 2015, 2016 & 2018).

According to multiple news sources, De Gea is holding out on signing a new contract as he believes that he deserves to be paid on par with highest club earners such as Alexis Sanchez who earns £500,000-a-week.

Naturally, should De Gea chose not to sign a new contract, it will mean that United would have to sell him this year lest losing him for free next year. PSG & Real Madrid are two clubs who seem to be interested in signing the Spanish goalkeeper.

Honestly, losing De Gea would be like losing the backbone of the team.

#1 Paul Pogba

Pogba's flirting with Real Madrid is dangerous for United

The only player out of the top four to make the PFA Team Of The Year, 2019 - that says something about the kind of season Paul Pogba has had. His 13 goals and 9 assists this season are his best ever figures in the United shirt.

There's no doubt that he is one of the most talented midfielders in the world. However, one aspect of his game that's constantly being questioned is his work ethic.

Some United fans may be glad to hear this. According to The Daily Star, Zinedine Zidane has issued an ultimatum letting Pogba know that, if he wishes to complete his dream move to Madrid, it's this year or no-year. Pogba's wages do pose an obstacle so it's going to be very interesting to see what happens next.

If the move does eventually materialize, United could secure at least €90 million for the French superstar.