Sir Alex Ferguson has claimed there will be no more arrivals at Manchester United, but what about departures?
While we doubt all seven of these will be leaving the club in the next few days, here are seven who conceivably could.
Nani
Nani being allowed to leave suddenly would be the biggest shock of all; but in the contest of recent weeks it would not be. He has been linked with moves away of late, with Zenit St Petersberg one club linked with making a bid. After an indifferent performance in United’s opening game against Everton, he was not even included on the bench against Fulham. How much patience will Sir Alex Ferguson have with him to hope he recaptures the form of 2010-11, and would the club resist a big offer for him if it comes their way?
Federico Macheda
Commentators were full of the potential bad news Robin van Persie’s arrival spelled for Javier Hernandez, but what about Federico Macheda, a rung or two below the Mexican in United’s pecking order. The Italian needs to kickstart his career and looked lively in pre-season for United, but should not expect many more first team opportunities this season. A loan beckons, but after disappointing spells at Sampdoria and QPR, he needs to make this one count.
Dimitar Berbatov
It is a wonder that Dimitar Berbatov is still at United, given his talent, goalscoring ability and cheap asking price. His departure looks certain, but then again most would have expected him to be gone by now. Fiorentina are the latest team to be linked with his signature, but there has been interest from Russia, Turkey, Germany, and the Premier League too.
Robbie Brady
Robbie Brady was impressive on loan at Hull last season, and Sir Alex Ferguson this year suggested he could play back-up at left-back to Patrice Evra. With Alexander Buttner signed, he will no longer be needed for that role, and his only chance of first team opportunities looks to be if Nani leaves. Otherwise another loan is likely, and he will hope for a Premier League club, if not a Championship promotion contender or even a return to Steve Bruce’s Hull City.
Michael Keane
Back in May, Sir Alex Ferguson mentioned Michael Keane along with his brother Will as players who he would be looking to loan out to gain experience. Striker Will unfortunately then suffered a cruciate knee injury, but the plan for Michael should remain the same. The defender was linked with a switch to join his near name-sake Steve Kean at Blackburn earlier this summer and a late agreement could still be on the cards. He has not featured in the first team despite their injury worries, a surefire indicator he is not yet ready for the step up.
Bebe
Bebe was the surprise success story of United’s pre-season tour, scoring one goal and creating another. Since then he has barely had a look-in, but expect a loan opportunity to present itself over the coming days. His spell in Turkey with Besiktas was a bust last year after suffering an early injury which kept him out for most of the season, so a chance to continue rebuilding with first team football on loan is exactly what he needs.
Ryan Tunnicliffe
Ryan Tunnicliffe is one of last year’s loanees who is yet to secure a move this time around. He featured at Peterborough last year, and played on United’s pre-season tour, impressing with his energy in the centre of midfield. Whether he will make it at United is borderline, and a solid season on loan, especially in the Premier League, could be the making of him.
Which of these seven do you expect to see leave this week? And where would you like to see them go?
image: © apasciuto
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