After Daniel James was the only player to leave Manchester United in a permanent deal in the summer transfer window, it leaves the current squad at Old Trafford rather large.
However, United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has stressed repeatedly the importance of having a big squad. United played 72 games last season and it’s understandable as to why Solskjaer admires the idea of having a wide range of selection.
Despite United requiring a big squad, there are several players at the club whose future hangs in the balance. These players will be given a huge indication of whether their future remains at Old Trafford, or perhaps elsewhere, after the cup game against West Ham.
Phil Jones
Having not made a first-team appearance since January 2020, the road to recovery has been long and hard for centre-back Phil Jones. Yes, many Manchester United fans believe he is surplus to requirements at the club and remains unconvinced he’s good enough, but you cannot discredit how hard Jones has worked to even be in contention for first-team minutes.
That type of work ethic and commitment will go far in football, particularly at a club like United.
Jones receiving minutes against West Ham in the Carabao Cup is pivotal for the Englishman. Not only will it give him the opportunity to show he is still worthy of having a role at the club, but it will also be a chance for other clubs to see what he can offer.
Either way, it will be hugely beneficial for the player.
Of course, there are several centre-backs ahead of him in the pecking order, but Jones can prove with a few solid performances what he is capable of and he will be eager to silence his critics (and no Phil, I have not written this with a Pot Noodle in my hand).
Donny van de Beek
The belief in his capabilities is unanimous from United fans, but Donny van de Beek has struggled to get a look at Old Trafford since his arrival in the summer of 2020.
Van de Beek was regarded as one of the hottest midfield prospects after his sensational Champions League campaign in 2019 with former club Ajax, but the Dutchman has been given hardly any opportunity to replicate the football he showed in Holland.
It’s highly likely he will play against West Ham, but it is not just about game time with van de Beek. He must show even glimpses of what he is capable of in the small opportunities he does get, especially considering plenty of people believe his time is over at Old Trafford.
He comes across as a player determined to prove he can handle playing for Manchester United, but he must begin to show what he can do in games like this, as we know, minutes are something of a rarity for the 24-year-old.
Anthony Martial
Anthony Martial continues to divide opinion between fans as many people believe his race is run at the club, despite the forward showing throughout his United career he’s capable of things on the pitch that many aren’t.
However, Martial is a player that thrives off confidence, which unfortunately for the French international has been few and far between. During his appearances this season he’s looked out of rhythm and struggled to get a foothold in the games he’s played.
With the addition of club legend Cristiano Ronaldo, he is another player further down the pecking order.
With recent reports suggesting he could be on the way out of United, if he were to start against West Ham he’ll have the opportunity to prove he still is capable of the performances he was showing in the second half of last season, and also to build some of that all-important confidence he so desperately needs.
If any of the three players discussed don’t start the game against West Ham, it could give a huge indication that their days at United are numbered and the future may very well be away from Old Trafford.
These players in particular have something to prove to both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and the United fans.
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