Ranking the Likelihood of Manchester United January deadline day departures

With the recent news of players departing such as Anthony Martial on a loan move to Sevilla and likewise for talented young winger Amad Diallo to Rangers. Manchester United are clearly still within the business to offload some players this January.

Since Ralf Rangnick has stepped foot in Old Trafford there has been clear and needed changes to the squad. Fans were eager to see more use of players that were underused with Solskjaer’s control, such as the likes of Donny Van De Beek and Jesse Lingard.  Yet with the changes shown, these and more players have been infrequently played and they will be itching to gain some regular football.

Here are the top 4 players likely to leave Manchester United as the January transfer window deadline approaches and a ranking to show how likely they will occur:

Dean Henderson

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Since Henderson’s return from Sheffield United, he showed clear signs of being a No.1 choice following De Gea’s lacklustre form during the 20/21 season. However, since then De Gea has shown why he is one of the best goalkeepers in the world by saving Man United countless times this year and giving Henderson no chance to push him out between the sticks anytime soon.

Henderson has only made two appearances this year for the Red Devils, neither being a league fixture. Yet despite handing a transfer request in and having attention from the likes of Newcastle United. Rangnick decided to turn this down and keep him for the use of other competitions and De Gea’s backup. Leaving a transfer for Henderson is highly unlikely.

Likelihood: 2/10

Jesse Lingard

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After Lingard’s outstanding performance for West Ham during his loan in the 20/21 season. Debate arose for Man United’s use of him after the signing of Sancho and the competition for his place already. He has managed 14 appearances in total this season for United and with only 273 minutes played – most of these being off of the bench. This shows that Lingard is in desperate need of a move.

Newcastle were heavily interested for a loan agreement, but United’s cruel board allegedly asked for a £3.5m loan fee and an additional £12 million if Newcastle avoid relegation. An outrageous ask for someone who is out of contract in 6 months. This, in short, purely cuts off any chance of seeing him play for another team, even when a player of his calibre is being so insufficiently used.

A fan video of Rangnick stating that Lingard will ‘leave in the summer’ has since become viral and increases the chances of Lingard potentially getting a move before the deadline, but if not, this provides considerable evidence to suggest that he will leave the club after the 2021/22 campaign comes to a close.

Likelihood: 5/10

Eric Bailly

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Eric Bailly has always been a fan favourite at centre back for United, his erratic but effective performances have shown a desire to compete and make his mark in the starting eleven. Bailly has always had troubles with injury and this could be an effect of why he never made it as a consistent key starter for United. Under Rangnick now also he has fallen to the bottom of the pecking order under Varane, Maguire and Lindelof.

AC Milan expressed interest in the Ivorian centre-back earlier in January and according to reports Bailly said yes to joining the club. Roma are also in the picture.

As a personal favourite of mine, it would be sad to see Bailly go, especially with the lack of depth United have in this area of the pitch. But the international needs regular games and a new journey could revive the 27-year-old’s career.

Likelihood: 7/10

Donny Van De Beek

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Since the arrival of Van De Beek, the signing has boggled the minds of fans. Mine included. It is hard to understand why he has been played so little, after showing such versatility in any central midfield role and even scoring on his Manchester United debut against Crystal Palace back in September 2020.

Yet out of all Manchester United players, he has been the one to be the most severely underplayed. He has shown talent but has never been given the opportunity to do so. Van de Beek has played 14 games in total this season, with only 380 minutes to his name. Most of them substitution appearances like Lingard.

Palace have expressed heavy interest in the 24-year-old Dutchman for a loan deal, as well as attention from Everton and Wolves. Van de Beek would be the most likely to leave next for Manchester United, he is also the one who needs it most.

Likelihood: 8/10

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