Man Utd’s 4-0 victory against Everton saw the return of many first team players and with the Premier League beginning this weekend the fate of fringe players will be determined in the next couple of weeks.
Axel Tuanzebe is one of those players, after signing an extension, Tuanzebe was loaned back out to Aston Villa where he helped get Villa promoted from the Championship in the 2018/2019 season.
Here is a list of five more players that could be out or stay this season at Man Utd.
Brandon Williams – LB/RB
GOING: There has been plenty of interest from bottom half Premier League sides for the 20-year-old fullback. Like his teammate Diogo Dalot, Williams can play both fullback positions.
Alex Telles has the backup left leftback position in his hands and despite a recent injury to the Brazilian, Williams could leave on loan.
A loan to a Premier League club would be good for Williams, his league appearances for Man Utd went from 17 in 2019/202 to just 4 this last season.
Being able to play both sides is a plus for Williams, just like Dalot, but the Portuguese fullback might be just a little better at the moment. A club like Southampton or Newcastle would be a good fit for Williams to gain more experience.
Diogo Dalot – LB/RB
STAY: The dual purpose full back had a successful loan last season at AC Milan and with most European clubs other than PSG facing financial difficulties it is starting to look unlikely that the Portuguese international will be sold.
A loan could still be likely but if it is not a team like AC Milan, where Dalot proved to be capable to play at that level, it might not be the best for him.
Maybe a team like Lyon, Dortmund, Leipzig or Sevilla could possibly try and get him closer to deadline day, but news has been quiet and he could be good competition for Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
James Garner – CM/CDM
GOING: Man Utd currently have a problem in the midfield, it is kind of worrisome, Man Utd have a lot of solid midfielders but not too many defensive midfielders besides Nemanja Matic. Garner could be sort of an understudy to the Serb if he stays at United this season.
But, him getting minutes and experience might be more beneficial in the long term. Garner has done well this preseason and looks composed for his age.
His successful loan spell in the second half of the season at Forest puts him in contention to make the squad, maybe one more year in the Championship or a bottom half Premier League club would be better for the 20-year-old.
It has been reported that Forest want Garner to return on loan. Other clubs in the Championship will begin to swarm come deadline day.
Anthony Elanga – FWD
GOING: Man Utd currently have some question marks in the forward category at the beginning of the season. Marcus Rashford could be out until October, Anthony Martial has returned, Edinson Cavani updates after the Copa America has been slow and Amad Diallo was playing in the Olympics.
The door is slightly open for some fringe players to get some minutes early on in the season and Anthony Elanga could be one of those players, but he should really get solid minutes professionally.
The forward spent most of his time last season playing for the U-23s and came on later in the season for the first team. A goal versus Wolves will have you craving more, but once all the forwards get fit, it will be hard for Elanga to make the bench.
Elanga playing U23s would be a waste, he is already above that level, a move to the Championship will help him develop the strength that will be required for the Premier League.
Dan James – FWD/MID
STAYING: With the somewhat uncertainty at forward at the moment, some stability is good and that is what Dan James has to offer for Man Utd.
During his time at Old Trafford, Dan James has not put up amazing stats, but one thing he does great is work hard. Someone who is going to track back on defense and put in a solid shift is always needed.
His pace and work ethic might keep him in the squad this fall, but if James is needed for Man Utd to finance another move, he could be out.
