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Manchester United to continue their clearance with center-back duo next in line

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Manchester United have commenced their rebuilding under new manager Erik Ten Hag. The Red Devils’ fall from grace went too far this season, with a sixth-place finish in the Premier League. Moreover, United endured another year without a trophy with their last triumph coming in the 2016/17 season. However, the club has appointed Erik ten Hag to take over the reigns from next season with a huge task at hand. But the manager is already underway executing his plans at the club. United are currently on a clear-out of their deadwood and a center-back duo is next on the list.

United stars Paul Pogba, Juan Mata, Jesse Lingard, Edinson Cavani, and Nemanja Matic have already announced their exits. Eric Bailly and Axel Tuanzebe are the ones who will be heading out next. According to Manchester United Evening News, after months of speculation, the defenders will leave the club this summer. Bailly was a bench warmer this season, while Tuanzebe was sent out on loan. Interim manager Ralf Rangnick was reluctant in trusting the experienced Bailly which reportedly left the United center-back frustrated. Tuanzebe’s loan moves have also failed to convince prompting the club to transfer-list him.

United boss Ten Hag does not count on the center-back pair

As reported earlier, Erik ten Hag has been vested with full power at the club. Ten Hag will have the final say on signings as well as outgoings. And the United manager is unwilling to consider the center-back duo a part of his plans. Bailly has two years left on his current deal, while Tuanzebe’s contract expires in 2023. The Manchester United Evening News revealed that Ten Hag has conveyed to the club that they can sell both the players in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Bailly signed for the Red Devils in 2015 from Villarreal for £30 million. The center-back played regular football in his initial seasons at United, even leading the club to a Europa League trophy. However, the club brought in Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane which has reduced Bailly’s playing time. The 28-year-old has featured only 7 times this season and as a result, wants an exit.

Tuanzebe was tipped to be the future of the club after the center-back quickly rose through the United academy. Moreover, after 19 appearances in the 20/21 season, it was expected that the youngster will become a regular first-team player. However, Tuanzebe’s minutes also faced a dip after Maguire, Varane, and Lindelof pipped him in the pecking order. United loaned him out to Aston Villa last summer, where he played only 11 games. As a result, United recalled him in January, only to loan him back to Napoli this time. The move was a more disastrous one with the 24-year-old only getting to see the pitch 2 times.

Ten Hag feels the center-back sales could inject some money into his transfer budget for their replacements. However, the Dutchman this time wants quality players to join his project. Ajax center-back Justin Timber is high on United’s list for a summer move. Further on, the Premier League giants also want Villarreal’s, Pau Torres.

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