No value in 'deadwood' at Old Trafford

THE intended outgoings at United this summer range from the surplus to the sellable, via the unsellable

- SAMUEL LUCKHURST

United were quietly content with the dead wood they shifted last year even though the major departures' contracts had expired.

United inexplicably attempted to renew the deals of Jesse Lingard and Paul Pogba.

Should United secure Champions League qualification then they will be able to buy and sell from a stronger position. Their only truly sellable asset last summer was James Garner as he was involved in a successful season with Nottingham Forest, rather than the catastrophic campaign Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick presided over.

Whereas last summer United's most expensive player's contract was scheduled for the shredder, the most high-profile player not due a renewal has started twice in the last three years. Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe, another injury-prone centre-back also expected to be let go, were first named in the same United squad in December 2015. David Cameron was still prime minister.

United's outgoings will break double figures, though among them will be fringe members of the under18s who have quickly accepted their development has to continue elsewhere.

As for the senior figures, United have to concede they will make a loss on anyone they bought. The probable 'profits' would be academy graduates, just like last year. Andreas Pereira - the only other sale - joined Fulham for £10million.