Man Utd could axe six players if Sheikh Jassim buys club and clears the decks

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag reviews the West Ham game

Sheikh Jassim is stepping up his efforts to beat Sir Jim Ratcliffe to purchasing Manchester United, having recently spoken to several club icons in a bid to offer them roles under his stewardship. The Qatari-backed bid, if successful, will look to make their mark at Old Trafford immediately by making high-profile signings as several have already been identified according to reports – which ensures that current members of Erik ten Hag’s squad could also be let go to accommodate those incomings. Here, Express Sport has looked at six players that could make way if Jassim does take over at United.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka

Aaron Wan-Bissaka has enjoyed a resurgence under Ten Hag this season and found himself back in the fold during the second half of the season. However, a right-back has been a clear target this summer as Netherlands defender Jeremie Frimpong continues to be linked with a move to Manchester.

Either Wan-Bissaka or Diogo Dalot could make way for the Dutchman’s arrival as neither has consistently held down that right-back spot this season, but Dalot may be better suited to how Ten Hag wants his United team to play in the longer term – while he will not be short of suitors from the Premier League.

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Harry Maguire

United’s captain Harry Maguire has fallen further down the pecking order and would unlikely be begrudged a move in search of first-team football if an offer arrived this summer. Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof and Luke Shaw are all ahead of the England man in Ten Hag’s eyes and could drop down the league in order to play regular minutes once again.

While Jassim signing another centre-back for Ten Hag can’t be ruled out, as the likes of Axel Disasi and Jurrien Timber have been linked with summer moves – though the latter could join United as a right-back.

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Scott McTominay

Scott McTominay has been the subject of interest from Newcastle ahead of a big window for the Magpies, though United have reportedly slapped a £50million price tag on his head. However, amid his injury issues this season, the Scot has not been a fixture under Ten Hag and with his re-sale value it may be wise to move McTominay on with a view to potential incomings.

Eduardo Camavinga has impressed since moving to Real Madrid two years ago and the Frenchman is reportedly among Jassim’s three ideal first targets if he is successful in beating Ratcliffe to a takeover. If The 20-year-old feels that he is in need of a new challenge after winning every trophy possible in Spain, his arrival would further limit McTominay’s minutes.

Jadon Sancho

The two other stars Jassim is eyeing up are Kylian Mbappe and Kingsley Coman, two players who would likely impact Jadon Sancho’s playing time if bought. The former Borussia Dortmund star has not had the desired impact following his £73m move in 2021, while his status under Ten Hag remains in question.

The Dutch boss is said to be growing increasingly frustrated with the 23-year-old to a point where he could even leave the club as part of a potential clear-out under the new ownership.

Anthony Martial

Neither Anthony Martial nor Wout Weghorst have been able to provide the necessary focal point this season under Ten Hag, following Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit from the club. It has since become clear that a marquee striker is the focus for United this summer, as they hope to land one of Harry Kane or Victor Osimhen before their pre-season begins.

Recent reports have suggested that Goncalo Ramos could join the England captain at Old Trafford this summer, which would make it unlikely that Martial remains at the club with his opportunities limited.

Wout Weghorst

Weghorst could suffer a similar fate to Martial, though he is just on loan at the club from Burnley – after he was brought in following Ronaldo’s dismissal. He has spoken openly about his desire to remain at the club beyond his loan deal, but after significant investment by Jassim he may find that other options are preferred.

“In those [talks] the club said they are very satisfied with me. It has absolutely not been communicated with me that Man United don’t want to continue with me,” Weghorst told The Times.

“They appreciate my value. They believe I am absolutely an asset for the team. Of course I have heard different things [in the media]. I have to wait and see what happens and focus on our goals in the league and cup competitions.”

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