Keep Wayne Rooney, let Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Memphis Depay go, says Matt Le Tissier
Saturday 5 November 2016 00:11, UK
Matt Le Tissier tells us which players Jose Mourinho should keep at Manchester United and who he should let go.
United's troubled campaign took another blow on Thursday night with a Europa League group stage defeat to Fenerbahce, and they must beat Swansea City on Sunday to avoid making their worst-ever start to a Premier League season.
With the January transfer window not far away, we asked Soccer Saturday pundit Le Tissier to run the rule over United's squad, providing a verdict on who should stay and who should be allowed to leave.
David de Gea - KEEP
Le Tiss: David de Gea is top quality and three successive Player of the Year awards says it all. He's up there with the best in the Premier League. They have to hold onto him.
Eric Bailly - KEEP
Le Tiss: I think Eric Bailly has got the potential to be a top centre-back, so I would keep him around.
Phil Jones - LET GO
Le Tiss: I think Manchester United need to let Phil Jones go, he's just too injury-prone to rely on.
Marcos Rojo - LET GO
Le Tiss: Marcos Rojo just hasn't got the quality that Manchester United are used to. Let him go.
Chris Smalling - KEEP
Le Tiss: Chris Smalling is still a good centre-back but I'm not sure he'll keep his starting spot for England. I'm not keen on people playing for their country if they don't get in their club sides.
Daley Blind - KEEP
Le Tiss: Daley Blind's versatility is useful in a squad, although I'm not sure what his best position is.
Luke Shaw - KEEP
Le Tiss: Manchester United have to keep hold of him because of his age - he's got the potential to be a very good player when fit.
Antonio Valencia - KEEP
Le Tiss: I'm not a huge fan of Antonio Valencia, but I'd probably say 'keep' because his athleticism and power are useful for Mourinho, but he does frustrate the life out of me how he crosses the ball through defenders.
Matteo Darmian - LET GO
Le Tiss: Matteo Darmian is another one who has failed to live up to his price tag, so I'd probably let him go.
Paul Pogba - KEEP
Le Tiss: Paul Pogba has obviously not had the start United expected or hoped for but I think he'll improve with time and it's too early to get rid.
Juan Mata - KEEP
Le Tiss: I like Juan Mata. He's a very clever footballer and United should hold onto him.
Jesse Lingard - KEEP
Le Tiss: Jesse Lingard has shown enough to prove he can be useful to the squad. Mourinho should hold onto him.
Michael Carrick - KEEP
Le Tiss: I'm surprised Michael Carrick hasn't played more. He's a very good footballer but it's just his age which goes against him at the moment. I'd keep him for his experience.
Ashley Young - LET GO
Le Tiss: I don't think Ashley Young has contributed enough. You want more from a Manchester United winger than just stopping the opposition full-back.
Ander Herrera - KEEP
Le Tiss: I like Ander Herrera and Mourinho seems to be changing his opinion on him as well. He's got to stay.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan - KEEP
Le Tiss: Henrikh Mkhitaryan hasn't really had a chance yet under Mourinho. He deserves that at least.
Marouane Fellaini - LET GO
Le Tiss: I think Manchester United need more quality in their midfield if they're going to return to the glory days. Marouane Fellaini doesn't fit the bill.
Morgan Schneiderlin - LET GO
Le Tiss: I think they should let Morgan Schneiderlin come back to Southampton! He was one of the Premier League's best players in that role at Saints but it hasn't worked out for him at United.
Bastian Schweinsteiger - LET GO
Le Tiss: I thought it was a strange one when they signed Bastian Schweinsteiger. They didn't need somebody like him with the injuries he's had, but that's not to say he's not a very good player.
Memphis Depay - LET GO
Le Tiss: Again I don't think Memphis Depay has delivered when he's had the chances. Time for him to go.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic - LET GO AT END OF SEASON
Le Tiss: I'd say keep if he wasn't 35 but Zlatan Ibrahimovic has only got this season in him and I'd let him go at the end of it.
Wayne Rooney - KEEP
Le Tiss: I'd still keep Wayne Rooney around at the moment. If not for anything other than sentimental value to break the goalscoring record.
Antony Martial - KEEP
Le Tiss: There's plenty of potential there. Anthony Martial will have ups and downs but on his day he's very good.
Marcus Rashford - KEEP
Le Tiss: The biggest no-brainer out of the lot of them. Marcus Rashford is showing the potential to be a top player for United.
