Which Manchester United players deserve a contract extension beyond this summer?

With the summer of 2015 approaching, clubs will not only concentrate on signing new players, but will also be looking forward to extending the deals of the players which run out in the summer. By this time, most of the clubs would have identified the players they want to keep and the ones they want to release on free.Manchester United have already sold the likes of Anderson and Darren Fletcher, whose contract were to run out in the summer, in January itself. So let us look at the remaining players whose contract expires this summer and who Louis van Gaal may want to keep with the club:

#1 Michael Carrick

The England International has been the unsung hero for the Red Devils in recent seasons. His importance is usually felt when he is sidelined and not when he plays in the team. The same situation continued for the Red Devils this season as they struggled when the midfielder was out injured.

Carrick missed the opening few months due to an injury which he picked last summer. During that period, United managed to get just three victories in 11 outings. However, once he returned from injury, that was when the Red Devils enjoyed their best run of form under Van Gaal. Between November 8 and January 17, United played 12 games, winning eight, drawing three and losing just one.

But with Carrick injured again, they are struggling to cope without his authority in the middle of the park. The midfielder is good at winning the ball and breaking the opposition’s attacks. He is also good at rotating the ball. Besides, his experience is an added advantage for the relatively reshuffled squad. Hence, it is imperative for Van Gaal to renew his contract.

Verdict: Renew contract

#2 Tom Cleverley

Cleverley was one of the victims of the misery under David Moyes last season. The England midfielder received a lot of unfair criticism for the way United played under the Scot. So much so that a petition was filed a by a group of fans urging Roy Hodgson not to pick the midfielder for the 2014 World Cup squad. Incidentally, he wasn't picked.

As a result, he was loaned to Aston Villa this campaign. Many though it might give him the opportunity to resurrect his career, but it was not to be. With Villa struggling at the bottom end of the table, Cleverley has once again been on the receiving end of criticism for being one of the reasons for their poor showing.

Earlier in the month when Cleverley was taken off in their defeat against Chelsea at Villa Park, a small section of Villa supporters booed the player. Despite the fact that the player has started more than 20 games for Villa this season, not many have been pleased with his level of performance. On the basis of thi evidence, it is unlikely that Van Gaal will extend his stay with the Reds.

Verdict: Don't renew his contract

#3 Ben Amos

The 24-year-old goalkeeper has been with the Red Devils for some time now but has been never been able to cement a place in the squad. Never mind being the first choice, he has struggled to even be chosen as the second choice goalkeeper.

In the pre-season tour in the United States, Van Gaal brought on Amos as a half-time substitute against AS Roma. But Miralem Pjanic piled misery on the goalkeeper by scoring a wonder goal from his own half after spotting Amos out of position.

That proved to be the last nail in his coffin as he hardly got another chance to redeem himself after the blunder. He was then loaned to Bolton Wanderers. With the Englishman starting just the one game for the Championship side so far, it is unlikely Van Gaal will keep him in his squad.

Verdict: Don't renew his contract

#4 Andreas Pereira

Many tip the young midfielder to reach the same height of a certain former player – Paul Pogba. The Manchester United academy graduate has been in sizzling form for the youth team this season, but for some reason he has not been given the chance to show his potential with the senior squad.

He has started just once for Red Devils this season and that was in the embarrassing 4-0 defeat at MK Dons in the Capital One Cup last August. As a result, Pereira could face the same fate many of his colleagues who were on the squad for that defeat experienced. Six players named in the squad for that ignominious defeat have left the club permanently and Van Gaal has loaned another five out.

However, it is hard to judge a player based on just one outing. With Pereira repeatedly showing his class at the youth level, Van Gaal should give him another chance. With Juventus also knocking on the Old Trafford door yet again to sign the youngster, just like they signed Pogba in 2011, Van Gaal should act quickly to tie him down with a new contract.

Otherwise, the Reds may yet again regret the prospect of another promising youngster leaving the club.

Verdict: Definitely should renew his contract

#5 Tom Thorpe

The 21-year-old defender is another exciting academy prospect. Just like Periera, the defender has struggled to break into Van Gaal's team. Nevertheless, the defender has not dropped down his level in the youth setup and has been one of the stars of his team.

The U-21 captain has made just the one appearance this season for Van Gaal when he came on as a late substitute against West Ham United earlier in the season. But, since then the defender has not been used by the manager.

He has represented England at every level from the U-16 to U-21 level. However, for some reason, his teammate Patrick McNair got the nod ahead of him. Some feel that maybe his height (6’1”) may be the reason for him being regularly overlooked. However, history has shown that not all tall defenders are world class material.

Thorpe has waited patiently for his chance, a little longer than other players. If Van Gaal does not extend his contract and give him an extended run in the team, then some other club may benefit from this young talents service.

Verdict: Renew contract

#6 Radamel Falcao

The Colombian has been with the Red Devils only as a loanee for the past season. But, since his loan deal set to expire this summer, the real question is should United extend his stay beyond this season? The answer is a definite 'No'.

Falcao's work rate has been really good this season. However, the important thing for a striker is to score goals, which the Colombian has struggled to do for the Reds. He has so far managed to put the ball in the back of the net only 4 times this season.

Many of the gilt-edged chances which the Colombian has missed this season has not helped his popularity among the supporters. With United needing to pay a ridiculously huge amount of a reported £45 million to make his loan move a permanent one, it is simply best for the Reds to not take the gamble and rather invest the money elsewhere.

Verdict: Don't renew his contract