Manchester United's summer strategy: who to keep, who to sell and who to sign

"Manchester United's return to the Champions League means they need squad members who can cope with the playing in two elite competitions a week. Casemiro's departure has been announced and he will not be the only one leaving. Tyrell Malacia's existence has often been forgotten over the past four years, the left-back having made 27 league appearances, so he will not be missed when his contract expires in June."

"His Dutch compatriot Joshua Zirkzee is another who has not lived up to expectations, looking like a striker with neither the ability nor desire to score consistently. He is certainly not a traditional No 9 and there is no obvious role for him. Five goals in 54 league appearances is not a great reflection on someone leading the line. Michael Carrick has been reluctant to use him, leaving him on the bench against Leeds despite chasing the game."

"Zirkzee was given a chance at Sunderland last Saturday but did nothing to change anyone's mind about his long-term prospects. Marcus Rashford has flourished at Barcelona but is only on loan there, although he appears to have no future at Old Trafford. Photograph: Soccrates Images/Getty Images Manuel Ugarte's 50m price tag has weighed heavily on the Uruguayan, who has never got up to speed in England."

"Behind Casemiro and the resurgent Kobbie Mainoo, his cameos under Carrick have not given the impression he could be a long-term replacement for the Brazilian and this feels a good time to plot a move, although money will inevitably be lost. It is never easy being a second-choice goalkeeper but Altay Bayindir always looked an unlikely understudy. He ousted Andre Onana at the start of the season but that was more down to the Cameroonian's flaws then anything Bayindir did."

Manchester United’s return to the Champions League requires players able to handle two elite competitions weekly. Casemiro’s departure has been announced, and more exits are expected. Tyrell Malacia’s limited impact over four years and contract expiry in June suggest he will not be missed. Joshua Zirkzee has not met expectations, scoring five league goals in 54 appearances, lacking a clear role as a traditional No 9, and failing to change perceptions during opportunities at Sunderland. Marcus Rashford’s future at Old Trafford appears uncertain despite success at Barcelona on loan. Manuel Ugarte’s high price has not translated into consistent performance, making a move plausible even if money is lost. Altay Bayindir’s stint as second-choice goalkeeper looked unlikely to last after an early mistake and a likely return to Turkey.

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