Manchester United: 5 Players Who Should Be Sold This Summer

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SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 13: Wayne Rooney of Manchester United controls the ball during the Barclays Premier m/ match between Sunderland and Manchester United at The Stadium of Light on February 13, 2016 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty images) /

1. Wayne Rooney, Striker

It’s not that Rooney is likely, as such, to be sold this summer.

He is Van Gaal’s captain, and it would be an incredible turn of events to see the Dutchman move on the player he has backed without hesitation in the last two years. Similarly, Mourinho is said to be a fan of Rooney’s and would probably persist with him for at least one season.

However, if United are to undergo such extensive change this summer, selling Rooney is a necessary step to take. He has been in decline for years now and, despite a flurry of goals after the turn of the year, has seriously underwhelmed this season.

The point is that he will maintain his current level at best and fall into rapid decline at worst.

Now 30, Rooney is starting to experience the physical struggles players have to deal with as they enter the end stages of their careers.

Next: Lukaku Urged to Join United

United should build their attack around Anthony Martial, sign one or two more attacking stars and sell Rooney. It’s unlikely to happen, but it should.

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