The Manchester United Clearance Sale

Article by Manchester United Correspondent Tony Gillies

If you believe everything you read in the newspapers and online, Manchester United are heading for one of the biggest clearance of players in our history, but as we all know not all of what we read is true but would a mass exodus of players be such a bad thing in the long term? I don't think so.

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I've said all season that once David Moyes gets settled he needs to bring his own players in so he can stamp he's own style on the team but like any business we need to sell before we can buy, it could take a few years before the majority of the team are he's own players, but I think the wheels are well and truly in motion for a complete revamp in the squad.

Now let's take a look at the players who are rumoured to be heading out of the Old Trafford door.

Anders Lindergaard - AC Milan have shown an interest in taking him on loan. My opinion - STAYING

Rafael - His agent has been quoted saying he could leave in the summer. Rafael quickly re-buffed these rumours through social networks - STAYING

Rio Ferdinand - No talks have begun over a new contract. Spoke out about Moyes' management style in December which I don't believe has gone down to well - LEAVING

Nemanja Vidic - Rumours of him leaving through he's agent come around every transfer window - STAYING

Patrice Evra - Linked with moves to PSG or Monaco. With our public interest in a new left back these stories will not go away - LEAVING

Fabio - Linked with a loan move to Cardiff which I think will happen and will be sold in the summer - LEAVING

Alex Buttner - If he were to leave too this would leave us with no left backs, been linked with loan moves to West Ham and Tottenham - STAYING

Nani - Linked with a loan move to Sporting Lisbon but as he has just signed a 5 year deal, I can't see any loan move becoming a permanent deal - STAYING (Could be loaned out for the short term)

Wilfried Zaha - Linked with most Premiership teams, not too sure why he hasn't been given much game time this season supposedly one of the most exciting young talents around. Just doesn't fit into the manager’s plans? STAYING (Will be loaned out for the remainder of the season)

Zaha - On His Way?

Anderson - Looks 99% certain of being sold to Fiorentina in this window - LEAVING

Shinji Kagawa - There's been talk of him returning to Dortmund before the ink had even dried on the paper of him signing for United. I don't think he's too happy at the moment. Personally don't want him to leave but a swap deal involving Marco Reus would soften the blow of losing him - LEAVING

Javier Hernandez - Another player who's linked with most clubs in Europe every window. He has fallen further behind Danny Welbeck this season in the pecking order and think he's time is unfortunately up with United. I'd be gutted to lose him but he is too good to sit on the bench, think he needs to leave for he's own sake - LEAVING

Wayne Rooney - I believe he was closer to leaving in the summer than most people think and I think if we fail to qualify for the Champions League this season he will be off but we must sell him abroad. No point strengthening our rivals while we are struggling - LEAVING

Robin van Persie - I think he was as genuinely surprised as we were when Sir Alex retired and I don't think it sat too well with him, rumoured to be unhappy and I can't blame him but we must do all we can to keep him he's only got 18 months left on he's contract and I can't see him wanting to extend it - STAYING (for one more season)

I'd personally like to see Tom Cleverley and Ashley Young leave but no interest seems to have been shown in either player and to be honest based on their performances this season that comes as no major surprise.

Times are changing at Old Trafford and we've all got to buckle up and get ready for the bumpy road ahead as things may get worse before we are a major force again but I do believe our time will come once more. For now we will all have to be patient.

Do you agree with my comments and options?
Who would you like to see leave?
Who would you like to see stay?
How long do you think until we are able to challenge for titles and European Cups again?

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