Sancho and the five players Man Utd must keep this summer

James Shearman

• Updated: 20 Apr 2022 20:55 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester United's 4-0 defeat to Liverpool highlighted the seismic gap between England's two biggest clubs at this point in time.

United have fallen behind their rivals ever since legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson left the club, and now Premier League contention seems a long way away.

Now, the current first-team squad, coached by Ralf Rangnick, needs an overhaul in the summer transfer window.

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Indeed, there are only a handful of players that are worth keeping at Old Trafford.

Dean Henderson

David de Gea has been Man Utd's best player of the post-Ferguson era, and it would be harsh to force him out.

However, in Dean Henderson, the club has a hungry academy graduate that deserves at least a season at the highest level to prove he is the long-term solution.

At 25, he will be looking to leave this summer if he isn't given assurances of regular first-team football. So, now is the time to see what he is made of.

Raphael Varane

The centre of defence has been a major issue for United in recent years, failing to settle on a partnership like Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand.

And, with captain Harry Maguire struggling more than ever, the presence of a four-time Champions League winner is all the more important.

Unfortunately, Varane's debut season at Old Trafford has been plagued by injuries, but it's far too early to right him off.

Luke Shaw

Luke Shaw had an excellent 2020-21 season, ending with a goal for England in the European Championship final.

So, even though he's been far from his best this campaign, it's worth giving him the opportunity to hit form under new manager Erik ten Hag.

Shaw also has the advantage of being English, which is necessary for all Premier League clubs given the squad registration rules.

Bruno Fernandes

The likes of Kai Havertz and Tanguy Ndombele have struggled to adjust to the speed of the Premier League in recent years, but not Bruno Fernandes.

The Portugal international had an extraordinary first 18 months in England, having arrived from Sporting Lisbon, and has fallen off lately.

But, the tally of 30 goal contributions from last season was always going to be difficult to replicate, and 15 this season is not bad at all.

Jadon Sancho

The signing of Jadon Sancho was a long-term investment, given his age of just 22.

And, albeit an easier league, the Englishman tore apart the Bundesliga in his four seasons at Dortmund, so his ability is not in question.

Indeed, he has not settled in at Old Trafford, but who can blame him when the team has been as disjointed as it has.