Manchester United's manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, is on the verge of being fired following a 5-0 home loss to Liverpool. Despite back-to-back top-four finishes for the first time since Sir Alex Ferguson, Solskjaer's reign has been characterized by general mediocrity.
Despite significant investment in the Norwegian's team, Man United are behind West Ham and Brighton in the Premier League rankings, and are eight points behind leaders Chelsea. Change is on the cards, but who among Solskjaer's playing staff must also leave?
Goalkeeper and defence
David de Gea's miraculous return to form this season gives the Manchester United No.1 a respite, while Dean Henderson is one of the top back-up goalkeepers in the world and should not be allowed to go. The defense is a source of trouble, The only teams who have conceded more Premier League goals than Manchester United this season are ranked 14th or lower.
Centre-backs who are prone to injury Eric Bailly and Phil Jones are obvious candidates to depart, while a right-back upgrade is required. Aaron Wan-Bissaka appears to be the better option to sell, as he will fetch a big transfer price that could be reinvested in the squad.
Midfield
Paul Pogba must leave, not because he is a bad player, but because Manchester United have continuously failed to get the best out of him. Given United's squad, it's impossible to see a system that will allow the World Cup winner to thrive.
It is time for Fred and Nemanja Matic to split ways with the club, which need new faces in an important area of the team. Meanwhile, Donny van de Beek is one of the most likely players to go, but he will almost certainly be given a fresh lease of life if Solskjaer leaves the club. He deserves a second chance.
Jesse Lingard should be given room in the attacking areas of the midfield. He proved last season on loan at West Ham that he has the potential to be a player.
Attack
Manchester United have an excess of center forwards as a result of the club's late decision to sign Cristiano Ronaldo in the summer. Given Anthony Martial's poor form, he should be allowed to leave, while Edinson Cavani should be allowed to leave just out of respect for how he has been treated.
When a move to Boca Juniors was on the cards, the Uruguayan signed a new contract under the pretense of being first choice. Meanwhile, Amad Diallo needs time to grow on loan somewhere - a chance he would have had earlier this season if not for injury.
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