Manchester United’s season is only going from bad to worse. Now the club is third last in the Premier League – and no matter who sits on the bench after the international break, big decisions await. Here are the players who should be sent off.
The Red Devils are firmly in the relegation zone after an incredible 4-4 draw against Aston Villa at Old Trafford, in which they came back from both 0-2 and 2-4 draws.
Michael Carrick meeting at Carrington: ‘Jason Wilcox faces a huge decision’
The domestic season is now entering a new international break, and there could be a change on the bench at Old Trafford when Premier League football returns. Michael Carrick was due to play against Roma in the Champions League and Aston Villa on Sunday, before the board had a discussion about the Englishman’s future.
Sporting director Jason Wilcox and recruitment director Omar Berrada will be at the centre of the talks, with several unemployed managers linked to the job if Carrick is sacked.
Whoever the manager will be, he will have to make big decisions about the squad – especially with the January window just around the corner. United didn’t do much business this summer and spent the money on three new midfielders: Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba. The feeling is that more signings are needed this winter. But certain players should also be sent out – or at least removed from the matchday squad.
Diogo Dalot
The full-back often bears the brunt of supporters’ annoyance at Old Trafford and was once again ridiculed for his efforts against Villa. He touched the ball 47 times before being substituted after 65 minutes, and had only 83 percent pass accuracy. His substitution was cheered loudly from the stands.
Amad Diallo
The Ivorian has only contributed one goal in 22 games since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations in January. He has not lived up to the hype and can and should perhaps be replaced.
Youri Tielemans
He did score against his old club on Sunday, but otherwise the performance left a lot to be desired – not for the first time this season. Despite arriving in the summer, he has not lived up to expectations and should be dropped.
Noussair Mazraoui
Has never been able to secure a regular place in the starting eleven, and it’s clear to see why in the game against Villa. He made eight defensive contributions and only managed four of his 12 duels – that means he lost eight. Not what you want in a defender.
Leny Yoro
Yoro and Ayden Heaven are two young centre-backs who seem to be sharing game time. Both are young with a lot of game time ahead of them, but they are not up to the demands of United’s first-team squad right now. Yoro was slow to get out, played Nicolas Jackson free for Villa’s second goal and then headed in his own crossbar – via a fantastic save from Senne Lammens who set the ball in motion for Villa’s fourth goal.
Mason Mount
Came in from the bench and had little effect, except that he hit the crossbar.
Joshua Zirkzee
Barely had a touch when he came on late in the game – although he did score a late consolation goal. His career at United seems to be over anyway.
Ayden Heaven
Heaven is the other young centre-back who is not ready for this level yet. He should be loaned out or given more time to develop outside the first team.
All in all, there is a lot of work to be done for whoever is on the bench when Premier League football returns after the international break.
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