No fewer than 5 first-team players could walk away from Manchester United on free transfers at the end of the season.
The high-profile players included in this list are David De Gea and Anthony Martial, although in both these cases the club have the option to extend their current deals by another season. Players the club may wish to part company with include Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia, who are both now 33 years old.Below we look at the 11 players individually and determine the likelihood they will have their contracts renewed or whether they will be on their way out of Old Trafford.
De Gea
Keeping hold of the Spanish shot-stopper will be a priority for United, who are currently having a little trouble trying to tie him down to a new deal.
Problems behind the scenes at Old Trafford is reportedly behind his reluctance, but De Gea is expected to pen a new deal with the club.
Real Madrid had been keen on landing the Spaniard but this ended once they signed Thibault Courtois from Chelsea. However Paris Saint-Germain are also keen in De Gea.
Luke Shaw
Before the start of the season it looked for everyone that Shaw would definitely be leaving the club on a free in the summer.
In fact, it looked as if Mourinho would try and work out a way to part company with him sooner, he appeared to be that out of favour under him.
But the left-back has turned things around this season. He’s playing regularly, has regained his confidence, and appears to be enjoying himself one more. He’ll definitely pen a new deal.
Martial’s tenure at United hasn’t always positive, and he’s still considered to be a fringe player under Mourinho.
The Frenchman even looked set to leave Old Trafford in the summer, and as his situation hasn’t changed, he may be ready to leave at the end of the season.
There will be no shortage of teams ready to take Martial off United, but it’s believed the board rate him highly and may put pressure on Mourinho to keep him at the club.
Juan Mata
The Spaniard has shown signs of decline as a player this season and could therefore be on his way at the end of the campaign.
Mata may wish to return to Spain, or another Premier League club may wish to take a punt on him.
Alternatively he may be offered a new contract at United – it’s not completely out of the question – but it will likely be a short-team deal, his wages may be reduced, and he’ll have to accept he will be regarded as back-up.
Antonio Valencia
Last season Valencia was an important player under Mourinho, but things have changed a bit this campaign.
The 33-year-old isn’t being utilised as much – with left winger Ashley Young being preferred in his posiiton.
Valencia is getting on in age too, and the club may feel like it’s finally time to part company with the former Wigan man once and for all.
Chris Smalling
At the start of the season Smalling looked to be on his way out at United, or at least moved to the reserves on a permanent basis.
But Mourinho wasn’t able to land a centre-back and after some experimenting settled on the defender to feature in his regular XI this season.
He’ll definitely be offered a new deal in the summer, and he’ll definitely sign it.