3 players Manchester United should offload before the transfer window closes

Manchester United have performed reasonably well in the transfer window thus far, having drafted in a couple of young and exciting players already. While a host of football stars across Europe continue to be linked to the English giants, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and co. would also like to trim their squad to an extent.

With almost two weeks of the pre-season campaign over, Solskjaer must have chalked out a lucid clutch of players who are expected to bridge the gulf between the Red Devils and the league's pacesetters.

Towards the end of last season, Solskjaer emphasized on being ruthless and reviving the 'United DNA'. Since the Norwegian's arrival at Old Trafford, Manchester United have offloaded three players in Marouane Fellaini, Antonio Valencia, and Ander Herrera.

In the aftermath of a disastrous 2018/19 campaign, United have made steady progress this summer in terms of recruitment and preparations. To improve the group as a whole, getting rid of the under-performing players is as essential as bringing in new faces.

Keeping United's rebuild in mind, let us take a look at three players who should continue their careers away from Old Trafford next season.

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#3 Phil Jones

Manchester United v Leeds United - Pre-Season Friendly

It is almost impossible to separate Phil Jones from the comical errors. Whenever the Englishman is around, an apprehensive mood takes over the United supporters. There are people who still talk about the potential Jones possesses, but lack of consistency over the last few seasons has been a major cause for concern.

The 27-year-old was rewarded with a four-year contract extension in February, initiating a plethora of debates over the club's ambition. With an incessant record of injuries and Red Devils' pursuit of a top drawer center-half, Phil Jones is the one who looks certain to create some space in already stacked department.

Jones' age and decent abilities will make it viable for Ed Woodward to find a potential suitor for the defender. The ongoing pre-season campaign could be the last of Jones in a United shirt.

#2 Matteo Darmian

Manchester United Training Session

It is baffling to still witness Matteo Darmian around United after watching the Italian full-back being linked with a move back to his homeland in every transfer window. The 29-year-old's career never peaked at Old Trafford, making just 60 Premier League appearances in his four-year stay in England.

Man United have made heavy investments for the right back spots of late, having signed Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the recent summer transfer windows. Despite the departure of Antonio Valencia, Darmian seems to be pushed down the pecking order post arrival of Crystal Palace prospect Wan-Bissaka.

This summer could finally be the one where Darmian is released off his shackles at United, with Inter Milan, Valencia, and Juventus supposedly sniffing around for his services.

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#1 Romelu Lukaku

Paris Saint-Germain v Manchester United - UEFA Champions League Round of 16: Second Leg

Romelu Lukaku made a fantastic start to life in Manchester, scoring 26 goals in his debut campaign. His form took a steep decrease last season where he managed just 15. In addition to his loss of form, the former Everton man lacked sharpness in his game, eventually losing his spot to Marcus Rashford.

His name might come as a huge surprise for some but allowing the Belgian to leave Man United summer could prove to be a win-win situation for both parties. With Solskjaer's affinity towards more mobile attackers, Lukaku's static presence around the opposition box might restrict him to fewer appearances next season provided he stays.

The 26-year-old probably has his heart set at Inter Milan, and there is no point retaining an unsettled player at the club. United are set to gain a substantial amount of money should Lukaku's transfer materialize, which could also fuel the transfer of a striker.