4 players Manchester United should sell this summer

It goes without saying that a team as good as Manchester United should be winning the title without any trouble. But the fact that they struggle and falter each year is an indication that something has gone wrong within the club. It is the squad itself that is in need of a shakeup before anything else, though, and here's why.

While Mourinho brings in superstars from all around the globe to bolster the United team, he seems to forget how many spaces are filled by the deadwood - players that aren't likely to get a spot in the first team anytime soon, or simply aren't good enough. These are the individuals that need to be cut loose in order to save both money and time. Their absence frees up a spot for someone more deserving.

A club with the calibre of Manchester United should have a team filled to the brim with stars, not just a few good players thrown into a mediocre squad. Look at the competition's teams: Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal and Spurs have all worked hard to offload dead weight and start fresh, and it's clearly worked very well for them. It's about time that United do the same.

Here are five players Manchester United should sell this summer.

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#4 Joel Pereira

Manchester United Players return to Pre-Season Training

Already 22 years old, Joel Pereira is still yet to reach the level he was predicted to have reached by this point in his career. He's fourth choice goalkeeper at United, behind DeGea, Romero and new signing Lee Grant. Everybody knows how slim his chances of getting game time at United are, and so either a loan offer should be considered or United should offload him once and for all, as he still has a very long way to go before he could even be considered for the first team.

Pereira played in goal for United once in September 2017, which was a cup tie against Burton Albion. He conceded a last-minute goal and hasn't had any game time since then.

There's no doubt that Pereira shows promise, but in order for him to realise his potential, he needs a move away from such a huge club as Manchester United to a side where he can be first choice and start his career properly.

Where might Joel Pereira go?

According to ESPN, Pereira is wanted by La Liga sides Real Betis, Sevilla and Real Sociedad, as well as Torino, Atalanta and Fiorentina in Serie A. With a price tag of just £1m, Pereira could be a bargain deal for these types of teams. It's just prising him away from United that will be the most difficult part.

#3 Luke Shaw

Luke Shaw

Luke Shaw is the epitome of a promising talent whose career has been (arguably) damaged beyond repair, following a spate of long-term injuries alongside flagrant lack of concern for his fitness. His weight seems to fluctuate each season, with his latest physique appearing "bulky" to some, but overweight to most spectators.

Shaw made 11 appearances in the Premier League for United last season, most of which were late substitutions. He can still turn his career around with a move to a mid-table Premier League side who would offer him lots more game time than he currently gets, but it's more likely that Shaw will stay at Old Trafford and try to work his way back into the team.

Where might Luke Shaw go?

Everton were linked most recently with the left-back, but Shaw had reportedly turned down the offer in favour of proving Mourinho wrong this season. Spurs were also rumoured to be interested, however no bid has materialised thus far.

#2 Ashley Young

Ashley Young

Despite his name, Ashley Young isn't getting any younger, and at 33 years old, you have to question how much time he has remaining in football.

Young had a decent World Cup this summer and had featured in 30 of United's 38 Premier League games last season, which proves he's still a prominent figure in the Red Devils' set up. But serious questions must be asked about United's squad depth if Ashley Young is the best player they have in the left-back role. Luke Shaw doesn't cut it, and Daley Blind is being sold to Ajax, so they must find a replacement soon.

Offloading Ashley Young sooner rather than later would be ideal, as his value is depreciating considerably with each season that passes. Transfermarkt value Young at £7m, which is a neat sum for a player whose ability is beginning to wane.

Where might Ashley Young go?

Ashley Young could still probably do a decent job for a mid-table Premier League side, but the most likely destination would be the MLS. If United were to put Young up for sale, there would undoubtedly be many teams from lesser leagues around the world trying to sign him, but the prospect of living and working in America might be of big appeal to Young, especially with regard to life after football.

#1 Chris Smalling

Chris Smalling

Chris Smalling's game time at Manchester United has decreased considerably over the years, with many fans wanting him to be replaced while his value is still relatively high. Smalling is seen by most as a utility player for United, and fans long for bigger players in those sort of positions. And with Chris Smalling being left out of the World Cup squad this summer, the writing might be on the wall.

Personally, I don't think that Smalling is good enough to have a prominent role at Man United anymore. The Red Devils are trying to compete for a league title - how can they manage that with such a leaky defence? I think that for United to really kick on and challenge for the title, there needs to be a squad overhaul that includes the sale of Smalling, Young, Shaw and Pereira. A few more names could be on that list, but it's difficult to tell how Mourinho views them in relation to the tactics.

Where might Chris Smalling go?

There's been interest from Burnley, Everton and Newcastle in the last few months, and either one of these teams would be a good fit for Smalling at this time in his career. He's 28 years old now and should be playing a lot more than he has been at United. He could achieve that target at clubs like these.