2014/15 was a revival-of-sorts for Manchester United. Finishing in the top four in their first season under Louis van Gaal was an important milestone following the disarray and disappointment that had characterised the post-Ferguson era.
Powered by van Gaal’s legion of summer signings and welcome contributions from once maligned signings, Juan Mata and Marouane Fellaini, United showed that they are still very much a team in transition.
It will be another summer of change in the red half of Manchester. With Radamel Falcao’s ill-fated and immensely disappointing loan spell officially over, who else will join the Colombian at the Old Trafford exit door?
David De Gea
The Spanish goalkeeper was in superb form for much of the season as he picked up his second successive player of the season award. However, each stunning reflex save only intensified rumours linking the stopper to Real Madrid. This situation is largely out of United’s control and the ball is truly in De Gea’s court. United would love to keep him and have tabled a generous contract extension, which De Gea has been coy to accept. Should the 24-year-old sign a long-term extension, he could go onto to become one of United’s greatest goalkeepers. But few can deny his temptation to return to Spain is strong. De Gea’s decision either way will greatly shape the teams summer in the transfer market.
Anders Lindegaard
There was a time when the Dane was seen as a potential rival to De Gea as Old Trafford’s No.1. But a solitary league appearance in the last two seasons and the signing of Victor Valdes, is an indication of how far Lindegaard has fallen down the pecking order. He will be moved on in the summer.
Rafael
United have been openly searching for a long-term solution at right-back. Once upon a time that job appeared Rafael’s for the taking. But a mixture of injuries and ill-disciplined performances have slowed the energetic Brazilian. His stop-start career may take another turn in the summer. Antonio Valencia served admirably in the role this season, but cannot be seriously viewed as a long term solution. If van Gaal moves for a new right-back, then the promising Brazilian should be swiftly moved on.
Jonny Evans
Evans is a player that has long divided opinions amongst United fans. But at 27, the Northern Irishman is running out of time to win over his doubters. His distasteful six-game suspension for spitting at Newcastle’s Papiss Cisse gave his younger understudies Chris Smalling and Phil Jones a chance to prove themselves with extended time in the first team. The Smalling-Jones partnership may have raised as many questions as it answered, but Evans missed a crucial chance to make his case. Van Gaal must strengthen the centre of defence over the summer, leaving Evans as the likely odd man out of the trio.
Nick Powell
Powell was signed amongst significant optimism back in 2012. Viewed as a potential long term replacement for Paul Scholes, Powell has had limited opportunities for first team football at United. After a disastrous loan spell at Leicester this season, where Powell’s loan was terminated due to a lack of professionalism, this should be the summer when United cut the enigmatic Englishman.
Nani
The Portuguese winger was deemed surplus to requirements at the beginning of the season, but as United failed to find suitors willing to take on his enormous wages, a loan move to Sporting Lisbon was hastily arranged. United have a surplus of talented wingers and Nani’s future is clearly outside Old Trafford. Like fellow United flop Anderson, his wages may continue to be a stumbling block to a permanent deal elsewhere.
Javier Hernandez
Chicharito also spent the last season out on loan. Ostensibly in search of more first team football, Real Madrid seemed an unlikely destination in this pursuit. The Mexican poacher predictably failed to push Ronaldo, Bale or Benzema for regular action. Now back at United and intent on reclaiming a starting place, it is unclear just how Hernandez will fit into Louis van Gaal’s plans. The manager appears to favour players comfortable on the ball as United look to transition towards a more possession based game. This does not suit Hernandez’s skill set. Another season playing off the bench would be his most likely role at Old Trafford. Whether or not Hernandez will accept that role is unclear. A campaign on the sidelines in Madrid may have shown him just how far off the best he actually is, and if he is truly intent on starting he will have to look to clubs outside the Champions League places.
Robin van Persie
The future of the Dutch striker will be United’s biggest decision of the summer. The arrival of van Gaal was initially greeted with great enthusiasm from United fans who believed the Dutchman could inspire his compatriot to the kind of form that propelled United to their last Premier League title. From that high, van Persie’s season was profoundly disappointing, encapsulated by a series of injuries and a woeful penalty miss against West Brom. In that time, Wayne Rooney emerged as United’s most effective striking option. Van Persie’s lack of flexibility in van Gaal’s 4-3-3 system saw the Dutchman relegated to the bench as he even dropped behind Radamel Falcao on occasions.
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No spring chicken, van Persie will be 32 by the time the next campaign begins and with a lengthy list of injuries on his resume, this summer may be United’s last chance to cash in. United and van Persie’s marriage was never likely to be a long one. Whether or not a handful of memories and a Premier League trophy is satisfactory return on their initial investment is another question. The resurgent Red Devils should use this opportunity to move on from a player with perhaps two good years left to a younger more dynamic star.
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