TalkingFilmTalkingSports

I know I usually talk about basketball on this page; but I wanted to talk about something that is unfortunately near and dear to my heart — Manchester United Football Club. Although I live in North America, I was born in Manchester, as were my parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and so on. Being a United fan is ingrained into my DNA — I didn’t pick them, I was born into them. That’s why this current team and situation pains my soul.

For those unaware, Manchester United was a dominant force in English football, winning the Premier League title 13 out of 21 seasons from 1992–2013 — never finishing lower than third place during this spell. They also had European success, reaching the Champions League Final on four different occasions during this time, winning it in 1999 and 2008. Since 2013, we (yes we — I’m one of those assholes) have never won the Premier League, and have finished outside the top three a whopping eight times. United finished in 8th place last year, our worst-placed finish ever, and will finish in 17th place this year barring an unforeseen win against Aston Villa on the final day. If you did not know, finishing any lower than 17th results in relegation to the lower tier of English Football, called the Championship. That is how bad this situation is.

I wanted to write this piece now because I believe it to be the lowest point of the club since they were relegated back in 1974. We lost the Europa League Final on Wednesday, a win that would have given us some nice silverware, papered over a few cracks, and gifted us a prize of over £100M as we would have gained entry to next season’s Champions League. Not only did Man Utd lose, but they played AWFUL. Our opponents, Tottenham Hotspur, had 1 shot on goal, 35% possession, 335 fewer completed passes, and an abysmal 66% passing accuracy. All credit to Tottenham because despite these numbers, they still played us off the park. Despite the incredibly high wage bills and the experienced players who are used to the big game, Man Utd played uninspiring, sluggish, and conservative ‘crab football’. This team is going to take years to achieve any sense of glory.

I don’t want to get into the Glazers and INEOS. Nor will I discuss how we got rid of Scott McTominay just for him to win the league with Napoli and win the Serie A MVP in his first season. Instead, I just want to go through each first team player and briefly discuss whether I would keep/sell/loan them. Obviously, I understand these won’t happen as selling a player takes lots of work and a suitable club isn’t always out there, so I view this as more of a thought exercise. Furthermore, I’m aware that certain players might be sold if a huge offer comes in. For example, I would keep Bruno, but if Saudi came in with £100M, I and INEOS would have to say yes. Let me know down below your ideas on how this once-great club can get back to its glory days.

GOALKEEPERS:

#1 Altay Bayindir — SELL

I’ve only seen him play a few times but it has not been pretty. Looks shaky out there and very uncommanding of his defence. We used to have the likes of Sergio Romero and Dean Henderson as our backups.

#22 Tom Heaton — KEEP

Does exactly what is says on the tin when it comes to being a first string keeper.

#24 Andre Onana — SELL

The player I’d be most eager to get rid of. Countless of mistakes, bailed out by the outfield players in the quarter finals against Lyon. Can’t save shots or pass out from the back. Time and time again he commits a costly mistake. I don’t want to say Matic was right, but Matic was right.

FULLBACKS:

#3 Noussair Mazraoui — KEEP

Incredibly consistent this season and what a signing he was, especially when you consider the money. Definitely tapered off as the season progressed , but that was mostly due to fatigue as INEOS thought it was a good idea to enter the season with two fullbacks.

#12 Tyrell Malacia — SELL

“Mr. Malacia, you’re alive? Someone said you was dead.”

#13 Patrick Dorgu — KEEP

My new favourite player. Does more running than anyone else. Reminds me of Patrice Evra at times and can even pull out a Wan-Bissaka like tackle. He’s so young and only cost about £10M — bargain! Get him a backup so he does not wear down.

#20 Diogo Dalot — KEEP

Was our best player last year. This year he looked like a shell of his former self. Not sure why exactly. Perhaps due to wear and tear? I mean he was our only fullback last year and played the most minutes of any outfield player. Rest this summer and come back all fresh.

CENTRE BACKS:

#2 Victor Lindelof — SELL

Time has run its course. Good player among the years. Is also certainly not favoured by Amorim.

#4 Matthijs De Ligt — KEEP

The most underrated player on the team in my opinion. Constantly hounded by the British media for some strange reason. A serial winner and inspiring leader. If Bruno leaves, he should be captain in my book. A centre back who can truly do it all.

#5 Harry Maguire — KEEP

What a fantastic 180 he has done with his career. I would keep him as the number four choice centre back. Can still have his shaky moments, but looks really comfortable out there again for the most part — much like he did when he first arrived from Leicester City. He’s entering his final year of his contract and I would let that play out and go from there.

#6 Lisandro Martinez — KEEP

Injuries have certainly slowed down his progress at Man Utd. However he is still relatively young and is one of the few players who always gives everything they have. We will see ow he recovers from his ACL injury, but I wouldn’t move on from him just yet.

#15 Leny Yoro — KEEP

Just got better and better as the season went on. I am so excited to see how he progresses under Amorim. Super athletic and has all the tangibles to be a great defender. Reminds me of a young Ferdinand at times.

#23 Luke Shaw — SELL

Or we could keep him and he can play his annual ten games next season where he looks incredible in six or seven of them? No thanks. Our longest tenured player but it’s time to move on.

#26 Ayden Heaven — KEEP

Only played a handful of time this season, but looked really promising in his appearances. Super excited to see more of him this season. Another young player that can grow together with the likes of Yoro and Dorgu.

#35 Jonny Evans — SELL

An unbelievable servant to the club over the years. I believe his contract expires this summer and I expect to see him go. Need more leaders like him and would love to see him potentially join the staff.

#41 Harry Amass — LOAN

Need to see more.

#55 Tyler Fredricson — LOAN

Need to see more.

MIDFIELDERS:

#7 Mason Mount — KEEP

Still such a strange signing to me. Amorim clearly is in love with Mount and his style of play so there’s no way I see him leaving. He has had some good spells thus far in a red shirt, yet has struggled to consistently stay on the field due to injuries. Hopefully Amorim can unlock his full potential.

#8 Bruno Fernandes — KEEP

Our best signing post Ferguson. The heart and soul of the team and has given everything over the past 5 and a half years. I would love him to stay as he is a wonderful and underappreciated player. The amount of fans who flip flop on him drives me crazy. He is clearly crucial to this team and our style of play. However, if he wants to finish the end of his peak years elsewhere and compete for trophies, or if INEOS want to capitalize on him with an offer from Saudi, I completely understand.

#14 Christian Eriksen — SELL

Was a great piece to the team when he first arrived here in 2022, however he has lost a few steps since then and the Premier League pace is too fast for him at this point in his career. His contract also expires this summer, so I expect to see him go.

#18 Casemiro — SELL

A few months ago this would have been an easy sell. We all remember Carragher’s “leave the football, before the football leaves you” statement aimed at Casemiro last season. And since then, he has completely turned things around. He looks like he has gained an extra step again and he even helped inspire the comeback against Lyon — winning the penalty and assisting on the other two goals in extra time. However, due to his age and his high salary (reportedly the highest earner in the squad) I think it would be a good idea to cash in on this absolute legend of the game. One of my favourite United players post Ferguson.

#25 Manuel Ugarte — KEEP

Like De Ligt, strangely hated on by the press and on social media. They’re clearly clueless as he has been instrumental this season. Always brings the fighting energy, still young, and helps control the midfield area. Key part of our future.

#37 Kobbie Mainoo- KEEP

Love Mainoo. A red born and bred. This season he wasn’t as prolific as the previous, in part due to missing time with an injury, yet you can clearly see the absolute talent this lad possesses. The way he can shift and use his body weight is like nothing I have seen before. I’m still not sure what his favourable position is as he can play the pivot and the number 10 role both extremely well. Unbiased but definitely a top 10 under-21 player in the world. He and Amad would are the cornerstones of this club in my eyes.

#43 Toby Collyer — KEEP

I haven’t seen too too much of Collyer, yet from what I have seen, I’m a fan. I think he possesses some key skills to being a part of our midfield, and would love to see him play more with the first team rather than go out on loan.

WINGERS:

#16 Amad Diallo — KEEP

Like I previously stated, alongside Mainoo, the most important part of our club. Just oozes talent and confidence and always wants to take on his man — a rare sight in modern football. His time with Sunderland and Rangers really helped him develop his physical strength as he is surprisingly strong and agile. Up until that goal against Liverpool in last years F.A. Cup quarter final, it seemed as though Amad was struggling with cracking into the first team. Since that winner, he has been unplayable. Amazing talent who is always up for the job and is incredibly clutch too.

#17 Alejandro Garnacho — KEEP

I know there are many reports that he is most likely on his way out as he has fallen out of favour with Amorim, however I rate him. Yes he can be a little cocky and somewhat of a ball hog, yet I would take that over the opposite — a sideways passer with little confidence. I really like Garnacho as a player as he seems to always want a go. I’d be pretty upset to watch him leave the club especially as he will more than likely thrive elsewhere — like most of those who have left. 

#21 Antony — SELL

Antony has talent for sure. However I strictly just think he is not good enough to play in the Premier League. I think it’s best for all parties if he were to go elsewhere to a different league where he can thrive. We’ll never forget those first four Antony games where he looked like Giggs 2.0.

#25 Jadon Sancho — SELL

I refuse to even give this the time of day.

STRIKERS:

#9 Rasmus Hojlund — LOAN

I know this probably won’t happen, but I would love to see Hojlund go on loan. I think there is definitely a good player somewhere in there, yet his confidence is shot. Last year he had a great run of goals to end the season and everyone was like “there he is, the flood gates are open”, however they were not open. In an ideal world, I would loan him out for the year and let him get his confidence back for the 2026 campaign. Plus with us likely signing Delap, Hojlund will have even less gametime and opportunity to prove himself.

#10 Marcus Rashford — SELL

Clearly doesn’t want to be here. Thank you for the memories and all you’ve done for the community.

#11 Joshua Zirkzee — KEEP

I really like Zirkzee. I think people look at his lack of goalscoring numbers and judge him. However that is not his game. He is incredible at the holdup play with his back to goal and that is what he does best. I would love to see him do what he usually does alongside another striker who can run the lines, this would unlock the best version of Zirkzee in my opinion. Also he is an incredible dribbler. To do what he does with the ball at 6’4 is genuinely remarkable. For those who don’t know, picture Dwight Howard with AI’s handle.

#36 Ethan Wheatley — LOAN

Need to see more.

#56 Chido Obi — LOAN

Need to see more.