Manchester United are seriously underperforming this season, with much of this being put down to a squad with far too many weaknesses.
The squad have just stumbled to a terrible defeat against Chelsea and more questions are being asked, not only about their current players, but about the ability of the club and their chances of finishing in the top four – thus their chances of actually attracting the top players in Europe this summer.
Target Koke has penned a new deal with Atletico Madrid, and no other top stars seem to be issuing come and get me pleas.
With that in mind, we took a look at the current crop of players and asked just which of their stars would make it past next season.
Wayne Rooney
Rooney is a United talisman but has had a strange relationship with the club due to confusion over transfer requests, putting one in perhaps on more than one occasion, but then also putting in his best performances each and every match!
He has pledged his allegiance to the club but let’s take a worst case scenario and say United fail to qualify for the Champions League 2014/15 campaign.
Will Rooney at 28 years of age, one of Europe’s top players and having big clubs all wanting his signature, be tempted to finally leave?
With tensions between him and the club high when United were at the top it certainly doesn’t look good now that they are struggling!
Manager David Moyes knows Rooney is worth keeping and can hopefully make the forward feel appreciated and content at Old Trafford long term.
Should Stay or Go: Stay
Robin van Persie
Ex-Arsenal captain RVP joined the Red Devils in 2012 and scored a massive 26 league goals in his first season effectively winning United their 20th and his first Premier League trophy.
A huge part of this winning formula was the strike partnership he had with Rooney and it is no surprise that with both of them spending time out injured recently United have had their worst season in years.
Van Persie will always have admirers domestically and abroad but after many loyal trophyless seasons with Arsenal and a victorious start with the Reds surely United will have his services for some years to come.
Should Stay or Go: Stay
Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand
There was a time when these central defenders were considered one of, if not, the best partnerships in the Premier League. Unfortunately both age and injuries have taken their toll.
Vidic is still a very strong presence in front of goal but is coming to the end of a four year contract this summer. So with United’s policy of only offering players over 30’s one year deals, and the Serbian defender rumoured to want a longer contract, his 8th season may be his last.
Ferdinand on the other hand at 35 is already signing one year deals each season and with appearing only 13 times, in all competitions so far, is at serious risk of being considered surplus to requirements.
Should Stay or Go:
Vidic: Stay
Ferdinand: Go
Patrice Evra
Evra has been loyal to United since 2006 and is currently their vice-captain but with David Moyes openly pursuing left-backs in both the previous summer transfer window and the current one it is plainly obvious that he is no longer part of any future plans.
At 33 he would only receive a 12 month contract but renegotiations look unlikely once they secure the services of one of their targets.
Evra has found interest from Monaco, a club he played for previous to joining United, so a return may be on the cards.
Should Stay or Go: Go
What do you think about their futures? Let us know your thoughts below or tweet us @LaFootyettes.
11 years ago
Need to keep RVP and Roo to attract other top players…… a few seasons of struggle seem to be coming to OT