Five Manchester United stars axed ahead of new Premier League season

As promised Louis van Gaal has wielded the axe at Manchester United. Names of the players he has cast aside are beginning to emerge in the British press.
At least five players are said to be heading out of Old Trafford.

According to reports from the Daily Mail, Rafael, Marouane Fellaini, Nani, Anderson and Javier Hernandez have all been told they have no future at Old Trafford by new boss Louis van Gaal and will be allowed to leave if bids arrive for them.

The only real surprise name on that list is Brazilian right back Rafael who was first choice in the last two season for the Red Devils. However in van Gaal’s preferred 3-5-2 formation, full backs are cast aside in favor of wingers who can defend. See: Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia. Another two players who also look to be out of favor are Tom Cleverley and Wilfried Zaha.

Van Gaal’s new-look United are taking shape after they returned from their month-long tour of the U.S. On Tuesday they face Spanish side Valencia at Old Trafford before they face their season opener against Swansea City (Saturday, 7:45 a.m. ET on NBCSN and online via Live Extra). Fellaini is rumored to be leaving United to join Napoli on loan after his big-money move from Everton last summer just hasn’t worked out. Nani and Anderson were both already thought to be surplus to requirements after playing bit parts during United’s preseason.

As for Hernandez, the Mexican international striker has played well and scored goals for United during preseason but with Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck and Robin van Persie all ahead of him in the pecking order, the Red Devils may look to cash in on Chicharito and the player may want to leave to play regularly elsewhere. Juventus, Inter Milan and Southampton have been touted as possible destinations for the predatory striker.

United have been linked with moves for Mats Hummels, Daley Blind and Arturo Vidal in recent weeks and if they can oust the aforementioned quintet from their roster then van Gaal can kick on and bring some new faces in.

The times, they are a changing at Old Trafford. It is Louis’ way or the highway.

Culled from PRO SOCCER TALK


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By: SAMOD BIOBAKU