In this article, we have rated the top 5 Manchester United departures of this summer – be it on loan or a permanent transfer.
Facundo Pellistri
Facundo Pellistri has re-signed for La Liga side Deportivo Alaves on a season-long loan for the 2021/22 season.
The 23-year-old winger enjoyed a productive pre-season with Manchester United as he bagged two goal contributions in two matches – including the match-winner against Derby County. Likewise, he helped Alaves secure their top-flight status in La Liga last season with a 16th-place finish.
Besides helping him gain further experience of senior football at the highest level, this loan spell will also help him identify his weaknesses and improve upon them – especially his finishing skills.
Rating – 8/10
Axel Tuanzebe
Axel Tuanzebe penned down a new contract (until June 2023 with the option of an additional year’s extension) at Manchester United before securing a season-long loan move to Aston Villa.
Despite the cutthroat competition among the trio of Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings and Kortney Hause for a position in Dean Smith’s starting eleven, we believe that Aston Villa is the ideal destination for the 23-year-old defender who wants to continue with his development.
The Englishman showed glimpses of brilliance at the back on a few occasions, but he was way too inconsistent to cement a place in Solskjaer’s starting line-up despite the lack of some key defenders towards the end of last season.
Rating – 7/10
Andreas Pereira
Andreas Pereira will spend the 2021/22 season on loan at Flamengo. This is his fourth spell in the last five years as he has completed loans at Granada, Valencia and Lazio as well.
Aged 25, it’s quite clear that the Brazilian midfielder isn’t going to be a part of Solskjaer’s plans in the forthcoming years. Perhaps, a permanent move would have made more sense as United are still paying a significant part of his weekly wages.
Rating – 5/10
Brandon Williams
Brandon Williams has completed a move to Norwich City on a season-long loan ahead of the 2021/22 season.
The U-21 England international played for just 187 minutes in the Premier League last season, so a temporary move away from Old Trafford was essential for his development.
At 20, Williams possesses a wide range of abilities under his belt and with adequate game-time, he can become one of the best wing-backs in the league.
Rating – 8/10
Daniel James
Daniel James has joined Leeds United on a permanent transfer for a fee in the region of £25m, penning down a five-year contract that runs until 2026.
It would be an understatement to say that the Welshman has failed to live up to the expectations at Old Trafford following his arrival from Swansea City a couple of years back.
The 23-year-old winger made just eleven starts in the Premier League last season, and if he decided to stay at United this term, his opportunities would have been further limited due to the arrival of stars like Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Hence, a permanent transfer seems to be the best move for all the parties involved.
Rating – 9.5/10
