Since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United have not been able to perform to their usual lofty standards. David Moyes, Louis Van Gaal and Jose Mourinho have all come and gone, but nothing has changed. Under the three names mentioned above, the morale of the players and the fans seemed to drop.
However, once Solskjaer came into the frame in December last year, he has managed to instil a sense of positivity within the club. Unlike the previous managers, he has not gone around suggesting a complete revamp of the system, but instead focussing on what he has at hand.
The recent defeats to Arsenal and Wolves are a setback, but they didn't come as a surprise. The current squad lacks quality in many areas, and the board will be required to fix these issues in the upcoming transfer window.
There are also a few players in the team who can be sold off to gather funds for new signings. Let us take a look at a few of them.
#1. Matteo Darmian
Matteo Darmian moved to Manchester United from Torino in July 2015. Despite the initial promise, he has long been consigned to the background following a loss of form. He has made a total of just 6 appearances this season to compound his woes.
In his first season at the club, he played a total of 39 matches, including a substitute appearance in the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace. In his second season, he managed to make 29 appearances and played a crucial role in United's Europa League final victory against Ajax.
However, it's been a downward spiral since then, following a falling out with Mourinho.
There was speculation that he might move to Juventus last season, but nothing transpired. The 29-year-old doesn't have time on his side, and to get his place back in the national team he needs to play regularly.
Inter Milan are reportedly interested in signing him and that would be the best possible option for him and the club.
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#2. Marcos Rojo
Rojo was brought in for €20 million in August 2014 from Sporting CP. Things didn't start off well for him as he couldn't take part in United's first three matches due to issues with his work permit.
After the initial promise he showed in his first season, much like Matteo Darmian, he too has faded away in recent seasons.
You know a player is plagued by injury when the most he has played in a single Premier League season is 22 matches. His constant injury problems have been a cause for concern for United, who have struggled to fill his position.
Another issue that has affected Rojo's career has been his inconsistent and erratic defending.
Against Nigeria in the 2018 World Cup, he helped Argentina make the playoffs with a scintillating goal. In the subsequent match against France, he gave away a penalty and was substituted in the 46th minute, pretty much summing up his career.
Manchester United will be keen on selling him for a reasonable price to accommodate a new centre-back.
#3. Alexis Sanchez
Alexis Sanchez was brought in amidst much hype and optimism among the fans. His goalscoring exploits were a part of folklore at Arsenal, and everyone expected to bring his rich vein of form to United. Sadly, he has been a colossal disappointment.
He has appeared 29 times for Manchester United with a miserly return of three goals and six assists which is simply unacceptable for a player of his calibre. Both Mourinho and Solskjaer have given him plenty of opportunities to regain his footing, but to no avail.
His £350,000-per-week wage is something that cannot be afforded by the club for a player providing no returns. Moreover, in recent seasons, injuries have also stalled his progress.
With age not on his side, it is surely the right time for the club to consider selling him for a respectable amount.