The January transfer window is approaching and this is the time where clubs are desperate to renew player contracts. Clubs focus on player’ whose deals are expiring at the end of the season as they do not want them to leave for free. On the other hand, players do enjoy being free agents as it give them full authority to decide their future. In this article, we will look at five Manchester United players who will be free agents in 2022.
#5 Tahith Chong
Chong has the lowest profile among United who will be free agents in 2022. But he is still young and it is not quite clear whether the club rates his talent. Chong’s only appearance of note for United came during UCL 2018/19 when he came as a substitute against PSG in Paris.
For the past two seasons, he has been out on loan at Werder Bremen, Club Brugge and Birmingham City. But he has mainly been used off the bench and did not leave a big impression in any of those clubs. Chong is a winger and since United already have enough depth they can afford to let him leave for free.
#4 Juan Mata
For those who do not follow Manchester United closely, it might be a surprise to find out that Mata still has a contract with United. The Spanish playmaker only started six PL games for United in 20/21. This season he has not played even a single minute of Premier League football as United have too many attacking options. Mata has scored some wonderful goals for United but it is difficult to see him extending his contract beyond 2022.
#3 Jesse Lingard
Similar to Mata, Lingard is another United outcast but his age could make Manchester United think about a possible renewal. During Ole’s reign, Lingard was not rated highly and eventually fell down the pecking order. But a loan to West Ham reinvigorated him as he scored nine goals and assisted four in just 16 appearances.
Many believed that Lingard will indeed join West Ham in the summer but United denied a move for no apparent reason. There is little evidence to suggest that United trust him to replace Bruno Fernandes in case of an injury. Hence, expect Lingard to leave for free in the summer of 2022.
#2 Edinson Cavani
🚨 Edinson Cavani is interested in joining Barcelona next summer.
(Source: @thetimes) pic.twitter.com/Q57ymdfGa9
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) December 2, 2021
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When Cavani joined United in 2020, there was little optimism among fans. Many believed that he was just a cheap consolation for the collapsed Sancho deal. But Cavani has become a fan favorite at Manchester United due to his outstanding work ethic and important goals.
United are in a very tricky situation as Cavani is 34 and can barely play 90 minutes without getting injured. But he is the only proper striker that United have in their ranks and he has a good understanding with Ronaldo. Unless United are confident of signing a young striker, they are likely to extend Cavani’s stay again.
#1 Paul Pogba
Leading the way in providing for our Reds in the #PL this season 🎁👏
7️⃣ @PaulPogba 🅰️#MUFC | #GivingTuesday pic.twitter.com/rdAueBGB5f
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 30, 2021
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It is time to address the elephant in the room, Paul Pogba. In 2016, United made Pogba the most expensive player in the world but he has done little to prove his worth. Sure, he has shown moments of individual brilliance that few are capable of but his lack of consistency has been an issue.
Additionally, his agent Mino Raiola and his infamously reckless approach to transfers has not endeared him to fans. The best way for both the parties to be happy is a January transfer to a prestigious club like Real Madrid for a decent amount of money.
