Voltar
Here we go again. The Manchester United revolving door is due to swing again, with Michael Carrick set to lose his job following an abysmal start to the season. While there are legitimate questions over whether a man sacked by Championship Middlesbrough is up to the task of leading one of the world's biggest clubs, it's clear United's problems go much deeper than who is in the dugout.
The Glazers - and now minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe - have made a succession of bad calls on managers and players, whether those who've arrived, been retained or failed to sign.
And that brings us to the current squad. To call them a rabble would be kind. A bunch of egos who think they're much better than they actually are, who think they've made it by simply being a Manchester United player, would be a more accurate description.
Some have seen off a succession of managers, yet somehow they remain at the club. Probably because most other top-tier clubs wouldn't be daft enough to take them. The fans can see it, the pundits can see it, even the neutrals among us can see it.
As Gary Neville pointed out after the Bournemouth defeat, the players have "conned" Carrick, who will be "disgusted" by their conduct. United need a root-and-branch clearout in the near future, even if that means getting rid of some big names.
Lisandro Martinez: Judging by his recent rant against the club, the Argentine wants out. He's out of contract in the summer and no one should stand in his way.
Matthijs de Ligt: One of many expensive mistakes. The Dutchman is a walking injury and needs to be moved on.
Luke Shaw: Managers, governments and pandemics have come and gone but somehow Shaw remains a United player. His current contract, which expires in the summer, needs to be his last.
Andrey Santos: Who thought someone who couldn't get in a similarly toxic Chelsea side was the answer? The Brazilian sums up United's inept transfer strategy. Will be hard to move on unless United take a financial hit.
Manual Ugarte: Would have probably gone in the summer had he not got injured at the World Cup. Another poor INEOS signing.
Diogo Dalot: After more than eight years at the club, the full-back is approaching testimonial territory. Needless to say, he shouldn't get one.
Mason Mount: The former Chelsea man is either injured or bang average. Another terrible signing.
Bruno Fernandes: A controversial call given he's the club's best player. But like Martinez, the Portuguese playmaker evidently wants out and it's questionable whether he would have the stomach for a relegation battle. A Saudi club could be milked for a decent fee in January.
Joshua Zirkzee: United have tried and failed to find any takers, which sums up what his club does to players.
Marcus Rashford: Returned to the club largely because no one wanted to take on his whopping wages. A brilliant player when in the mood - how often has that been said? Club and player need to move on from each other.
Senne Lammens: An excellent keeper with a high ceiling. One of the few non-problem positions.
Leny Yoro: A player of great potential who could flourish in a positive environment, if United can actually build one.
Harry Maguire: In an ideal world, United should have already moved on from Maguire. But as a semi-reliable player, he will be needed at the start of any rebuild, especially if Martinez and De Ligt go.
Patrick Dorgu: One of the better recent signings and helpfully versatile.
Noussair Mazraoui: A borderline call but his versatility will be an asset in any rebuild.
Youri Tielemans: Has made a poor start to his United career and Villa may have moved him on at the right time. There's still a decent player in there but he needs runners around him.
Carlos Baleba: Hasn't shown his best since walking into a toxic dressing room. Could be a great signing once he finds his feet.
Amad: Hasn't looked himself this season but one of the club's best players on his day.
Kobbie Mainoo: The midfielder's stock has risen since being out injured. The next manager could build the team around him.
Matheus Cunha: Capable of moments of brilliance but lacks consistency. Warrants more time but needs to nail down a position.
Bryan Mbeumo: Has become a reliable goalscorer and one of the first names on the teamsheets. Needs more competition, though.
Benjamin Sesko: Has shown glimpses of quality when fit but his current injury is a cause for concern. Deserves more time to prove himself, though.