“Out of project” – Fabrizio says Manchester United star is not part of Ten Hag’s plans
Erik ten Hag has named his Manchester United squad for Tour 2023 REUTERS/Ian Walton.
The Dutch coach fielded a youthful squad in Manchester United’s friendly against Lyon in Scotland. After a 1-0 win courtesy of Donny van de Beek’s volley-finish, 15 players from the group at the Murrayfield Stadium joined up with other senior stars – who trained at Carrington – to make the 31-man travelling squad for the club’s pre-season tour of the United States.
Despite uncertainty over their future at Old Trafford and interest from clubs in the Premier League and abroad, the likes of Dean Henderson, Harry Maguire, Brandon Williams, and the match-winner of the Lyon outing – Donny van de Beek, have all been named in Ten Hag’s Tour 2023 squad.
Just because the aforementioned names are travelling Stateside doesn’t mean they are part of Erik ten Hag’s long-term plans though. Similarly, not every player who isn’t present on the list is certain to leave the club this summer. Star midfielder Fred isn’t with the group due to personal reasons. However, a recent report has suggested one notable absentee is certainly out of the club’s project.
Manchester United star not part of Ten Hag’s plans
Eric Bailly returned to United this summer after an underwhelming loan spell at Olympique de Marseille. But he didn’t feature in the opening two pre-season outings. Ten Hag also hasn’t included the centre-back in the travelling squad for the tour.
As per Fabrizio Romano, the Ivorian star is out of the project and is expected to depart Old Trafford. The 29-year-old has so far only attracted concrete interest from La Liga side, Real Betis.
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Meanwhile, former Leicester City centre-back Jonny Evans has made a surprise return to United on a short-term deal to show his mettle during pre-season. He will be with the academy group to face Wrexham in San Diego.