With the transfer window yet to get in full swing for Manchester United, we take a look at those players linked with an exit and give our verdict on whether Fergie should keep, sell or loan them. In the first part of this series of articles, we look at the defenders and goalkeepers who could be on their way out…
Tomasz Kusczack: Unfortunately for Kusczack and for United, the Polish international’s 5 year spell at the club has been largely frustrating, and he has not played as often as he wished due to the imperious Van Der Sar. He is not a future Manchester United No.1 and has failed to convince when called upon this year. He was very fortunate his mistakes in the crucial game against Blackburn didn't prove costly and the game summed up his erratic goalkeeping. Kusczack claims that he needs to be selected consistently to perform at his best, so lets hope at his next club (possibly West Brom) he is given the chance to shine. Thanks for the service Tomasz, but you are someone to definitely SELL.
Ben Amos: A very young and promising goalkeeper who only has a Carling Cup appearance to his name, it might be beneficial for Amos to be loaned out next year so he can gain some first team experience. With De Gea only 20 himself and Anders Lindegaard relatively young, it is unlikely Amos will ever be our number one, but he could prove to be a good back up option in the future. A championship or at worst league one side where he can play consistently as their number one would be a suitable move, so for now he should be sent to one on LOAN. A recall option on the loan would be necessary in case of injuries to one or both of our two other goalkeepers.
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| Brown is set to leave after 15 years at the club |
Wes Brown: Out of favour with Fergie all year after insulting him (as a 'joke') when with younger players on the pre season tour, a move to Sunderland seems most likely for Brown. Ferguson can be very ruthless and though Wes has proved a useful back up in two positions over the years, he is now surplus to requirements with Evans, Smalling, Rafael, Fabio, O'shea, Vidic, Ferdinand and reserve team player of the year Oliver Gill all able to play in the position he occupies. It has been a poor season for him, and United fans were sad to see he didn’t get the 10 premier league appearances which are required for a medal. His performances in 07-08 will always be remembered but unfortunately, though I wouldn't mind to see him stay, once you mess with the boss there is no going back. Therefore the verdict on Wes Brown has to be SELL, with a move to Bolton, Everton, Sunderland (who have had a bid accepted) or Aston Villa most likely.
John O'Shea: Once again this season he has proved to be a useful back up, filling in well at left back, centre back and centre midfield. He has mainly been used at right back and was our first choice there early in the season. The opinion of most United fans, and it seems of the manager in the latter stages of the season, is that he is an effective back up but not good enough to be first choice. Rafael and Fabio have both showed that they are better at both going forward and defending, but O'Shea's versatility makes him the perfect option on the bench as he removes the need to have both a centre back and a full back there. He was unlucky with a few injuries and missed out on a place in the squad for the Champions League final, but overall it's been a good season for O'Shea and I think as a homegrown player he is one to KEEP. However, with a bid from Sunderland accepted for the Irishman, it now looks increasingly likely O’Shea will be heading through the Old Trafford exit door.
Jonny Evans: The young Northern Ireland international has had a very patchy season, with poor early performances leaving him out of favour for the majority of the year. He has suffered from frustrating injuries and a lack of confidence that has stilted his progress, and with the signing of Phil Jones his future at the club is in question. There is no doubt there have been games to forget for Evans, with his performances in our first defeat of the season against Wolves and in the 4-0 loss to West Ham particular lowlights, while his red card later in the season against Bolton could have been costly. But past seasons for us, and for Sunderland on loan have shown that he has talent, and his ability to fill in at left back is a big boost with Fabio being used at right back and O’Shea potentially leaving. I think that the 23 year old needs a 6 month LOAN move (and some work on his upper body strength!) to regain his confidence and prove himself, before the boss makes a decision. If he stays his playing time will be limited and he will be under pressure to perform when selected and take his chance.
Look out for a similar feature on the site about our midfielders and strikers in the coming days.
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