It will free up a squad place and transfer cash

United are expected to spend heavily once again in the next transfer window with emphasis placed on strengthening their unreliable defence.

Surplus team members like Mata and perhaps the unfortunate Marouane Fellaini may be sacrificed in order to not only increase money that can be spent on incoming players but also to reduce overall squad wages on players that have no real future at the club.

Considering the fewer amount of games United will be playing this season, making the squad smaller couldn’t hurt.