Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been ordered to get rid of several Manchester United stars when he arrives at Old Trafford, as the new minority (25%) owner prepares to take over operations.
A deal has been reached for Ratcliffe to acquire a 25% stake at Old Trafford and he will be responsible for all matters relating to the ground, including the sales process and player recruitment. Dan Ashworth and Paul Mitchell have both been identified as potential new sporting directors, as Ratcliffe prepares to overhaul the current Red Devils squad.
Former Liverpool, Aston Villa and Wales striker Dean Saunders advised him to cut a large part of the squad. Despite the comeback against Villa, with a double from Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund’s first Premier League goal, Saunders believes the Man Utd team is not fit for purpose.
Saunders, now a consultant, appeared on TalkSPORT and discussed the players he thinks should be sold in 2024. “To start with, I would have gotten rid of (David) De Gea because he was there for five years and he just sat behind the four defenders, not opening his mouth. Peter Schmeichel would have taken them all by the throat. He doesn’t even have a club, which shows how much he loves football. » Saunders continues: “Luke Shaw has been here too long. (Diogo) Dalot is not good enough. (Raphael) Varane is a good player. Jonny Evans is not good enough. »
“McTominay, Ten Hag showed he didn’t think he was good enough. They have enough money to afford the best players. Rashford has been there too long. Martial, take him to the airport. Who else ? Antony, take him to the airport. Hojlund, I think he’s going to be good. If you look at Fernandes’ assists and goals, he has a point to make. Sancho, sitting on his Playstation and making $350,000 a week, I would drive him to the airport. And get rid of Maguire. »
