Several of Manchester United players have been linked with a move away from Old Trafford, so I thought that before the transfer window opened it would be a good idea to look at the speculation and figure out what was reliable and what wasn’t.
Before the season started I wrote an article about 5 players that Manchester United would sell. These 5 were Darren Fletcher, Liam Miller, Mikael Silvestre, Patrice Evra and Tim Howard. Liam Miller was set free and joined Sunderland in late August, Evra has developed into a fantastic left-back, Howard is having a decent season at Everton and Darren Fletcher has improved quite a bit.
Right now I don’t think Fletch or Evra could be sold – for the rest (plus more players that are under speculation), here’s a quick analysis:
Tim Howard
With Kuszczak proving to be a shrewd buy and Foster being trained for taking over from van der Sar, Howard’s chances at Manchester United look numbered. He will probably be sold next year, maybe to Sunderland? 😛
Chances: Not in January.
Bardsley
Could be sent out on loan again, although if I’m right he’s probably going to stick around and be the designated Neville-sub for a few games.
Chances: May go out on loan, not likely to be sold.
Danny Simpson
Doesn’t look like a big long-term prospect, unless he can realistically challenge for either fullback spot.
Chances: Almost certain to go out on loan again. Could be sold.
Gabriel Heinze
Are you stupid or something? Manchester United will NOT sell Gabriel Heinze. Not this January, not in the summer.
Chances: You might get laid before Heinze’s sold.
Mikael Silvestre
Along with Miller and Fletcher was one of the players United fans wanted most to be sold. Has had a contract extension, but with Evans and Pique coming through the ranks his position is the most under danger (as is Brown’s).
Chances: Not likely, but if he goes you can bet Newcastle will be taking him.
Wes Brown
Going through a bad patch of form but is well respected by team-mates and will be kept around for a couple of years more.
Chances: Zero.
John O’Shea
Hasn’t played as much as last year but is the ultimate utility player – he could probably do a passable Alan Smith impression by playing upfront.
Chances: Not happening.
Kieran Richardson
Could be a surprise sale, but I doubt that Manchester United will let him go so early. I did think that this would be his breakthrough year but thanks to the form of Ronaldo, Giggs and Scholes he’s had little chance to play. Will definitely get a look in over Christmas, but if he’s going to go, he’ll probably go in two years, if he doesn’t improve.
Chances: Not likely.
Alan Smith
He doesn’t want to go, and you cannot deny his passion, but he’s an extra player that we don’t need right now. Should be kept for his heart, but could be one of those to be culled, either in January (with Dong, Rossi and Larsson coming in, Manchester United will have 7 strikers, one will have to go) or next summer.
Chances: Possible.
Chris Eagles
The most likely player to be sold, unless he does a miraculous turn around like Fletcher and . All signs point to another Liam Miller though, and Keano’s probably waiting for January to raid Manchester United for players and loan deals.
Chances: Likely.
That’s it for me – what do you guys think?
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