SEVEN MANCHESTER UNITED PLAYERS COULD PLAY THEIR FINAL GAME FOR THE CLUB THIS WEEKEND

It could feel like the end of an era for Manchester United when they face Man City this weekend.

Erik ten Hag is busy gearing his side up for their final battle of a gruelling season, and the stakes couldn't be higher as they look to prevent their noisy neighbours from making the loudest noise imaginable with another step towards the Treble.

United know they will need to be at their very best to have any chance of beating a side that finished 14 points ahead of them in the Premier League this season, and for a certain set of players, it could be their closing act representing the club.

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Ten Hag has already achieved his main goals of qualifying for the Champions League and winning a trophy during his debut campaign, but there is no ignoring the fact this weekend's match could be the one that defines the overall success of the season.

No matter what happens, Ten Hag deserves praise for raising standards and expectations so quickly in such a short space of time, an achievement made even more impressive given the circumstances he has had to work under.

It is important to remember the United manager is still less than a year into the job, and his first campaign was always going to be one of transition and transformation as he looks to shape the squad in his vision.

Ten Hag still needs a few more transfer windows before he has a set of players truly aligned with his ambitions for the club, and that could become a lot clearer after this weekend, when a number of them could bid farewell to the United fans.

It is set to be another summer of change at Old Trafford, but the club are well aware that their transfer budget will have to be reinforced by player sales if they are to meet Financial Fair Play targets and still overhaul the squad as much as they want.

As many as eight of those in the matchday squad this weekend might never represent the club again, and at the very least, it seems certain a handful of them will be involved for the last time.

Wout Weghorst is set to depart after his troubled loan-spell but could have a huge role to play at Wembley given Anthony Martial's latest injury setback.

The French forward himself might have already played his final match for the club against Fulham last time out, with United open to selling him this summer as long as they manage to solve their striking problems first.

A decision also had to be made on Marcel Sabitzer, who has also experienced somewhat of a turbulent spell at the club. The Austrian has been an improvement on the other squad options, though it remains to be seen if he is really of the quality Ten Hag wants to add this summer.

Speaking of those squad options, it could well be the final time that Fred puts on a United shirt as well. The Brazilian midfielder is the only outfielder to have been included in every matchday squad this season, and despite some monumental performances, the club is open to selling him as they look to recruit a younger player in his position.

The most notable farewell will most likely be that of United club captain Harry Maguire, who is widely expected to leave the club this summer after falling down the pecking order.

Maguire will be hoping to bow out of his time at the club by lifting another trophy at Wembley, but he is set to start the final on the bench and will have to rely on a substitute appearance for his swansong.

There is also a possibility that it could be the final time Aaron Wan-Bissaka features for United. They were open to selling him last year and could yet be persuaded to part ways if an appropriate offer comes in, though they are not believed to be actively looking to move him on following his recent resurgence.

Jack Butland could be on the bench for the final time ahead of the expiration of his loan, and academy duo Brandon Williams and Anthony Elanga could also be involved one last time before they are moved on this summer.

United will have to say 'bye' before they can buy.

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2023-06-02T03:13:18Z dg43tfdfdgfd