Skip to content

Who might Manchester United sell in January transfer window?

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Jose Mourinho reveals he would listen to offers for his players, even from rival clubs

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has said he will listen to offers for players in January and would not stand in the way of anyone who wants to leave.

But who are the players that might be looking to depart next month?

Here are four potential candidates and the reasons why they might move on in January...

Premier League Goals!
Premier League Goals!

Watch goals from all midweek PL games with the Sky Sports Football Score Centre app

Memphis Depay

Having signed from PSV Eindhoven for £31m in the summer of 2015, Depay played 45 games under Louis van Gaal last season.

However, he has rarely been used by Jose Mourinho, who said earlier in the season that he was "sad" to leave him out of his matchday squad.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho had words of warning for Luke Shaw ahead of Wednesday's Premier League clash at Crystal Palace

"When I look to Memphis, [Michael] Carrick, [Phil] Jones, all these guys I don't select. I am desperate for September. Because September we have Capital One Cup, we have Europa League, we have seven matches in September and they all play and then I am happy," said Mourinho in August.

Ashley Young, Memphis Depay, Morgan Schneiderlin
Image: Memphis Depay, Ashley Young and Morgan Schneiderlin have all struggled for minutes this season

But despite United playing more games, Depay has only made seven substitute appearances and one start under Mourinho, totalling 134 minutes.

Also See:

Roma and Everton have been reported by the Manchester Evening News as possible destinations for the 22-year-old.

Morgan Schneiderlin

Another player signed by Van Gaal in 2015 who has fallen out of favour under Mourinho.

Only six outfield players accumulated more minutes than Schneiderlin last season (2929), but this campaign he has only been on the pitch for 11 minutes in the Premier League.

Morgan Schneiderlin of Manchester United in action
Image: Schneiderlin has only made a handful of appearances this season

The 27-year-old signed a four-year deal when he joined United but wasn't included in the squad for the Europa League clash against FC Zorya last week.

"I am always open to listen to offers for every player," said Mourinho this week. "More than listen to offers, I am always ready to listen to the players themselves.

Six months half price
Six months half price

Upgrade to Sky Sports now and get six months half price!

"So any player who knocks on my door and is not happy and wants to move, when the offers are correct, I will never stop a player from leaving even if it is to a rival. When [Juan] Mata left Chelsea to come to Manchester United [in 2014], in my mentality, [It's] no problem at all. I am always open."

The Daily Telegraph say Everton are keen on signing the midfielder.

Bastian Schweinsteiger

When Jose Mourinho said in August that it would be "very difficult" for Schweinsteiger to play for Man Utd this season and then banished him from the first team, it appeared almost certain that the German would leave in January.

But not only has Schweinsteiger rejoined first-team training, but he made his first appearance of the campaign as a substitute in the EFL Cup against West Ham last month.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Bastian Schweinsteiger got a huge ovation from Manchester United fans when he made his first appearance of the season

So does Mourinho now expect the World Cup winner to stay? "I do. Unless again the player knocks on our door with a future that he wants to grab with both hands," he said.

While Schweinsteiger might be utilised more in the second half of the season due to United playing in the Europa League, Premier League, EFL Cup and FA Cup, he may still seek an exit.

MLS commissioner Don Garber said in October the 32-year-old would be welcomed Stateside with "open arms".

Ashley Young

Young was enjoying "a new lease of life" under Van Gaal in December 2014, but fast forward a couple of years and he is struggling for opportunities.

The 31-year-old has been rarely used by Mourinho, making only four starts and not appearing in the Premier League since the 3-1 win over Swansea at the start of November.

One of Young's starts came in the goalless draw at Liverpool in October.

Ashley Young walks off after the Champions League match between Manchester United and PSV Eindhoven
Image: Young has seen his opportunities limited under Mourinho

Asked by Sky Sports why he recalled the former England international, Mourinho said because he was "used to the responsibility of a big games".

"Every time he plays for us he's doing his job well," he added.

But Young has made just two appearances since, and the Manchester Evening News say several Premier League clubs are interested in his services, including his former side Watford.

Upgrade to Sky Sports now and get six months half price