Man Utd chief John Murtough may axe three players in January including £54m flop

Manchester United director John Murtough will have plenty of important decisions to make when the January transfer window rolls around. The Red Devils are currently fighting a losing battle in the Premier League, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side currently occupying sixth place in the table.

United already find themselves nine points adrift of leaders Chelsea after winning just five of their opening 11 matches in the competition.

The 20-time champions splashed plenty of cash over the summer to bring the likes of Raphael Varane, Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo to Old Trafford.

However, they have failed to launch a serious assault on the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool as of yet in spite of their pre-season spending spree.

It seems as though United and Murtough could benefit from clearing out a number of the club’s fringe players in the new year in order to make room for some new arrivals during the January transfer window.

With that in mind, Express Sport takes a look at three United misfits who could be shown the door ahead of the business end of the campaign.

JUST IN: Chelsea facing Haaland snub as move ‘depends’ on January decision

Anthony Martial

Martial arrived at Old Trafford to plenty of fanfare upon making his £54million move from Monaco in the summer of 2015, but has failed to live up to expectations in the years since.

The Frenchman has only racked up 27 appearances in the Premier League since last summer, with just five of those coming this season.

He appears to have been left out in the cold after the summer additions of Ronaldo and Sancho and could reap the rewards of a January move elsewhere to revitalise his career.

Meanwhile, United would still be in line to receive a pretty penny for the 25-year-old, who remains under contract until 2024, for Murtough to reinvest into the playing squad.

DON’T MISS

Donny van de Beek

Van de Beek also joined United with a glowing reputation but has struggled to hold down a regular first-team spot under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

His team-mates have reportedly been left confused by their manager’s handling of the midfielder, who has played just 16 minutes of Premier League football this season.

Van de Beek is also believed to be frustrated with his lack of game time and is said to be on Everton’s radar ahead of the January transfer window.

Wolves and Newcastle United have also been credited with an interest in Van de Beek, but it remains to be seen whether Solskjaer will be prepared to let him leave in the middle of the season.

FOLLOW OUR NEW DAILY EXPRESS SPORT INSTAGRAM PAGE

Jesse Lingard

Solskjaer insisted that Lingard would be given a prominent first-team role at the beginning of the campaign, but the United boss already looks to have gone back on his word.

The 28-year-old midfielder has featured on eight occasions in all competitions this season and, like Van de Beek, is said to be considering his future at Old Trafford.

Lingard will be out of contract in the summer but a January exit could emerge as a solution to suit both himself and Murtough, with United able to claim a nominal fee for his signature and remove his salary from their books in the process.

Meanwhile, West Ham United and Newcastle are said to be keen on the England man, who could easily work his way into Gareth Southgate’s plans for the next World Cup with a fruitful year elsewhere.