Jose Mourinho Open To Selling These Three Players
REUTERS/Darren Staples
Manchester United will be open to offers for the likes of Daley Blind, Matteo Darmian, and Luke Shaw in the upcoming winter transfer window, as per reports.
Jose Mourinho has been in the hunt for specialists in every position since his arrival at the Old Trafford outfit in 2016. And while he has successfully strengthened most positions, the full-back spots have remained worrisome for the ex-Chelsea boss.
At present, wingers-turned-defenders Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young appear to be the primary candidates for the right-back and the left-back spots respectively.
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However, with both veterans being 32 years old, and more skilled when attacking than defending, the Portuguese is believed to be on the lookout for new long-term reinforcements.
Before bringing in new full-backs, though, Mourinho first intends to sell some of his current players to lighten the wage bill. Therefore, as per The Telegraph, the tactician has added the three aforementioned defenders to the transfer list.
All three players, who were signed by former United boss Louis van Gaal, have failed to establish a guaranteed starting spot since their move to the Theatre of Dreams.
Blind was used as a makeshift defensive midfielder, left-back, and centre-back by the Dutch manager, whereas Mourinho has only used him on the left side of his back line. Darmian, on the other hand, has featured on both wings in defence.
Meanwhile, Shaw initially appeared set to make the LB spot his own, until he hit several roadblocks in the form of long-term injuries. And since the youngster’s return to fitness from his latest injury, he has failed to convince Mourinho of his dedication.
This defensive trio was entirely left out of the Red Devils’ squad during their previous 1-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League, which just goes on to show how low they have fallen in the pecking order under Jose.
Their departure from Manchester looks imminent, but the report does add that it is highly unlikely that all three of these players will be sold in the same transfer window. Instead, the offloading will occur in stages, starting from January 2017.
Written by Kunal Kambli 
An introverted grammar pedantic who worships football and loves writing about it. Part of the BlameFootball team since 2016.