3 Manchester United players Jose Mourinho should axe in this transfer window

20 time English champions Manchester United are seemingly still transitioning five seasons after legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson called it quits on his coaching career.

After a turbulent time for his replacement David Moyes, they called upon the services of experienced manager Louis Van Gaal. The Dutchman introduced a culture of negative footballing tactics that is still evident in United's game today.

Under Ferguson, United could line up with seven defensive minded outfield players against an attacking team like Arsenal and still get a win.

Jose Mourinho, a proven winner, took over the mandate to change the fortunes of the club. Now in his third season, United fans will want their insatiable appetite for a Premier League trophy satisfied.

Mourinho has won the UEFA Europa League, Carabao Cup and FA Community Shield for United so far. Last season, United finished second in the league behind neighbours Manchester City. According to Mourinho, this was progress on top of reaching the FA Cup final. Pressure is on on him to deliver what the board and fans really want.

To do so, he must find the best possible players in the transfer market. Also, he should be willing to let go of some players who have underperformed under him.

Mourinho should also crack the whip on those players that have not shown strong commitment to his project of making United great again. These three players should be sold before the close of the transfer window so the team can make progressive strides.

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#3 Phil Jones

Jones has been vulnerable in big matches

The English centre back has been a valuable asset for Manchester United in the last half decade. He is still only 26 years old, but with good experience playing at the highest levels. Jones has seen his form and performance dip in the course of the last year.

United has had defensive problems since Ferguson's retirement. While Chris Smalling has shown some promise, Jones has stagnated and should be the first candidate among the central defenders to be axed.

Given Mourinho is in the market for an efficient centre back, he should consider letting Jones go. As a big club, United need to compete against the very best teams domestically and on the continent.

Jones is not up to speed as seen in last season's FA Cup final against Chelsea. He was easily beaten by Eden Hazard and was fragile against the same player when England faced Belgium in the 2018 FIFA World Cup third place playoff. United needs a strong presence at the back, especially when under pressure.

#2 Darmian

Darmian has been overly defensive minded

Matteo Darmian has failed to make an impact since his move to United from Torino in 2015. The modern full-back position requires players to have both attacking and defensive qualities.

Darmian has a typical Italian defensive mindset enshrined in his game. Since his move to United, he has managed only 85 appearances in all competitions in three seasons. A lot of those appearances have not been from starting positions especially in the last two seasons.

A player like Darmian requires to be playing regularly to continue his development. At United this season, he will find it even tough to make the matchday squad list given the acquisition of young full-back Diego Dalot.

Mourinho should sell him in this transfer window and work with the other players available to him in those positions such as - Ashley Young, Luke Shaw, Diego Dalot, and Antonio Valencia. Timo Fosu-Mensah and Axel Tuanzebe are versatile options.

#1 Andreas Pereira

Pereira - prodigy

Since his Premier League debut in 2015, Pereira has struggled to cement a first team place for United. The youngster has gone on two loan spells at Grenada and Valencia in the last two seasons.

Instead of fighting for his place last season, he opted to go on another loan spell and Mourinho called him out for it. Young players like Scott McTominay broke into the ranks in Pereira's absence. The Brazilian has scored one goal in 13 appearances for United.

When on loan in Spain, he scored 6 goals in 66 appearances. A quick look at United's attacking players and one will see little room for Pereira in the starting line up, let alone the match day squad. Mourinho already added Brazilian international midfielder Fred to his team.

This will enable Paul Pogba to venture forward. Juan Mata, Alexis Sanchez and Jesse Lingard are other creative players who are ahead of Pereira in the pecking order. It will be better for both parties if he goes elsewhere to develop his career.