5 players who could leave Manchester United this summer

Following the draw at the hands of West Ham United, Jose Mourinho continued his rant where he began singling out players despite coming in second place. He was quoted saying

"We were not ready to prove that the second position is important for us. I’m disappointed. I’m not sure if every one of my players is disappointed".

With an improved record on all accounts in the League compared to last season and the best season since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement, Mourinho can put up an argument for this being a successful season for the club.

Despite this, players still earning paychecks courtesy past managers may not fit into his plans going forward, and his statement makes it evident that a few names are on the chopping block.

Mourinho has stated he prefers to work with small squads by managerial standards, so how much trimming can be expected as the wily Portuguese enters into his third season as United manager.

Here are five players who may well be on their way out come the Transfer window.

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#5 Daley Blind

A move may be imminent for Daley Blind

Just 284 mins in the league campaign this season rounds off another campaign where it is clear that Daley Blind is not threatening to crack the starting XI in Mourinho's side. The Dutch International was bought by Louis Van Gaal and admirably filled in as the Centre Back numerous times of injury crises in his United tenure to date.

However, glaring physical vulnerabilities and lack of pace have exposed him, particularly for Mourinho, whose teams are usually physically dominant (2nd highest average squad height in the league). Blind, 28, is unlikely to expect more appearances than he has received this season and may himself seek a move to see more game, a move, that United have reportedly told Blind they will not stand in the way of.

He has often been compared to John O'Shea as an equivalent multi-purpose player to add value and depth in multiple areas of the field. However, Mourinho has made it clear in his own words:

"I am a manager that likes specialists, not multi-functional players"

#4 Matteo Darmian

Darmian may be on his way as well

Similar to Blind, the Italian international was also a product of Louis Van Gaal's transfer philosophy.

Despite having the utility of being able to play on either side of a defensive back four, as well as having experience in a back 5 system with Italy, Darmian has played only 354 minutes in the league and 557 minutes across all competitions and has failed to complete a successful cross in his entire league campaign.

Mourinho typically prefers a back four system comprised of a forward-pushing fullback and a defensively solid one - Ivanovic and Azpelicueta, Marcelo and Arbeloa, Maicon and Zanetti, etc. Darmian falls into the latter category. However, also similarly to Blind, Darmian's diminutive physique left him vulnerable to both pacey wingers and tall and sturdy strikers drifting out to the wing to open channels to run into.

Once again, the sharp contrast in Mourinho's organizational preference leaves a Van Gaal defensive signing left out of place. United have reportedly told Darmian he is free to pursue other options this summer.

With aging and converted wingers such as Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young lining the sides of United's back four, it is logical to expect a summer spending spree with emphasis on getting fullbacks. That, alongside the current lack of opportunities available, makes a summer exit for Darmian a possibility.

#3 Luke Shaw

Shaw's exit looks a foregone conclusion

Shaw was bought as a teenager from Southampton for a record fee for a teenager. A broken leg, a recovery period, and two seasons later, the 22-year-old English international's development has seen a stunted trajectory.

A huge part of what seems to be a campaign of "tough love" treatment from the manager, the player has been criticized publicly by Mourinho numerous times. So much so that reports suggested teammates felt the youngster was "bullied" by the manager following his halftime substitution and post-match chastisement for not following tactical instructions.

The verbal criticism has not been without an equal measure of game time, showing the gap in trust between player and manager that has not improved in Jose's two-year tenure. Shaw has started only 7 league matches this season, far below what is necessary for the development of a young player once thought to be a future Three Lions star.

Mourinho has also criticized his fitness and commitment. A criticism that four different managers have leveled at the player in his short career thus far.

Many of these issues existed for the player that there is now a vibe of "now or never" for Shaw - a vibe that is reportedly moving towards "never'.

#2 Marouane Fellaini

Fellaini's contract debacle means he may be the one to blink first

Once thought to be an overpriced deadline day panic buy, Fellaini has endured three different managers, seemingly with a positive on-field impact being felt by all three. Fellaini has offered an alternative, direct style of football to bypass midfield weakness or defensive solidity with a route-one alternative.

Mourinho and Fellaini have enjoyed a cordial relationship, with the manager claiming to support the Belgian midfielder since day 1, and the player saying he'd be willing to break bones for Mourinho. All this despite the regular frustration of many of the Old Trafford faithful at Fellaini's low level of technical proficiency for a midfielder at a club of United's stature.

The important fact to keep in mind regarding Fellaini's precarious future is his contract situation - the Belgian's contract expires in June. Furthermore, Fellaini commented on his situation, saying:

"The entire staff is doing everything so I can stay, but the club made an error in not extending my contract last season. Now I am in a strong position"

Given the midfielder's age and his apparent feeling of frustration at the club's handling of his contract demands, it remains to be seen how the situation is dealt with. Nonetheless, no shortage of suitors would be after the midfielder, who may be eyeing a final major move before the twilight of his career. Turkish club Galatasaray publicly made their interest clear last summer and may be eyeing their new opportunity this time.

#1 Anthony Martial

The end may be neigh for the French International at Old Trafford

Martial started the season having to compete directly with Marcus Rashford for a position on the left side of a three-pronged attack line. By Christmas, and after months of routinely alternating starting and bench appearances between the two youngsters, Martial appeared to have solidified his place in the starting XI.

However, despite a healthy return of a nearly double-digit goal tally in the league by the turn of the year, Martial was shunted to the bench for the arrival of Alexis Sanchez. Sanchez, a diverse and versatile player, taking the position of Martial signaled a clear difference in trust between Mourinho and the French winger compared to his other attacking options.

Tactically, Martial has shown a preference to receiving the ball to his feet and running into space, as opposed to attacking the full backs with off the ball movements. This sharp contrast with the likes of Lingard, Rashford and Sanchez, and Martial's inability to match their tenacious defensive contributions, leaves Martial tactically a potential mismatch in a Mourinho side.

Reports from France last month indicated that Martial wished to leave Old Trafford, seeking more game time on a routine basis. Martial is reported to have refused to sign a five year contract on the table without game time guarantees. Inter Milan, Chelsea and Juventus are all reported to be interested in the 22 year old French international.