Manchester United: 5 key players who should be kept at all costs next season

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Marcus Rashford both win Premier League monthly awards - January 2019
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Marcus Rashford both win Premier League monthly awards - January 2019

Manchester United has finally appointed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as their permanent manager. Despite their recent unfortunate runs, the Norwegian has successfully made significant improvements as well as bringing positivity to the Red Devils.

However, Solskjaer's appointment is just the beginning of the manager's challenge as he will shoulder an ever-increasing pressure from the highly ambitious English giants. They are now facing a daunting task to secure a Champions League spot and go as far as possible in the competition this season.

If they fail to do so, it could be no surprise if many vital players would be willing to depart for bigger clubs next season. Although numerous star players from other outfits have been touted to arrive at the Old Trafford, the most important thing to do for Solskjaer now is to keep United's remaining star players.

Here we will take a look at the list of 5 United's superstars who should be kept at all costs:


#5 Victor Lindelof

Lindelof has taken his game to a whole new level
Lindelof has taken his game to a whole new level

Had the Swedish center back not been reborn under Solskjaer, Manchester United could be as good as out from the Champions League as well as Europa League zone in the Premier League. The 24-year-old had previously faced similar criticism with Phil Jones due to his tendency to make schoolboy errors.

Many reports had touted him as a player to be dumped by the Manchester outfit following his horror performances during Jose Mourinho's era. Now he has been the backbone in United's defense and remains stable at his position.

If his excellent run continues, the former Benfica star could be a subject of interest from numerous European giants as he is only 24 and is yet to sign a contract extension at the club. Hence, United might need to do anything necessary to keep him just as they did to Luke Shaw.

#4 Marcus Rashford

Marcus Rashford is Manchester United's biggest asset
Marcus Rashford is Manchester United's biggest asset

The English starlet has been Manchester United's hottest prospect this season. He is now one of the most talented and most valuable young strikers in Europe. It is no secret that the 21-year-old has been subjected to numerous speculations due to interests from the world's biggest clubs such as Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Although Jose Mourinho had benched him several times in the past, the youngster has now regained his confidence as he becomes one of those few players who has improved the most under Solskjaer. The Manchester United academy product has scored 12 times with 9 assists in all competitions.

He will surely be one of United's most important projects for the future. However, his contract will expire in 2020. Even though the Red Devils have an option to extend his contract for another year, it might be wise for the club to do everything possible to give him a lucrative long-term deal.

#3 Ander Herrera

Herrera has surprised many with his resurgence this term
Herrera has surprised many with his resurgence this term

The Spaniard's future at the Old Trafford had seemed to be worse than ever at the beginning of the season. He was nearly nowhere to be seen and Mourinho even played him as a center back during a home match against Tottenham Hotspur. However, he has now transformed into United's most complete and vital midfielder.

The 29-year-old has done everything from defending to attacking in the center of the park and he has done that job well. He has scored 3 goals coupled with 3 assists in the Premier League so far. His has also impressed with his defensive roles to round his all-around contribution.

Unfortunately, he is yet to receive a new contract while his current one is set to expire. He has attracted interests from superpowers such as PSG and even Barcelona. Now either United do everything necessary to keep the Spaniard or they would suffer heavy losses if the midfielder departs.

#2 Paul Pogba

Pogba has starred prominently under Solskjaer
Pogba has starred prominently under Solskjaer

It is no secret that the Frenchman has become one of Europe's hottest properties recently. Every top clubs has now been linked with the flamboyant star as he has seen a meteoric rise in his productivity under Solskjaer. Pogba has been involved in amazing 25 goals in all competitions this season although he has played mostly as a central midfielder.

An agile and sharp playmaker with endless vision, Pogba would easily slot as a regular in any club. Giants such as Real Madrid have now seemed to wait for the chance to snatch the former Juventus player. Due to the star's ever-increasing importance for the club, United would not have many options left except to do anything possible to convince Pogba to stay.

#1 David De Gea

The goalkeeper has returned to the top of his game
The goalkeeper has returned to the top of his game

Arguably the best goalkeeper in the world this season, De Gea has been no less than the best hero for Manchester United. Despite a disappointing World Cup display, the Spaniard has 'singlehandedly' saved the Red Devils from certain defeats at occasions with his outstanding saves.

It is no secret that United's defense has been woeful at most of the times due to their center back's tendency to make simple mistakes. Solskjaer has rotated between Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, and Eric Bailly to partner with Lindelof at occasions. Hence, De Gea has been forced to be at his best consistently in order to take United to where they belong now.

Unfortunately, the 28-year-old is still yet to sign a contract extension. United also have an option to extend the goalkeeper's contract for a further year but they surely should keep him at all costs by offering a new long-term deal.

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Edited by Jidonu Mauyon
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