Manchester United played their last match of the season at Old Trafford with a 3-0 win over Brentford on Monday night. The Red Devils have two more Premier League matches this season, against Brighton and Crystal Palace, which are all on the road.
With the curtains of the 2021/22 season coming down, new players are always expected to come in, with some also moving through the exit door. Here are five players who could have said their farewell to the Old Trafford crowd on Monday night.
Speculation over Paul Pogba’s Manchester United future is never too far away – but interest in that has now ramped up further amid stunning reports Manchester City are gunning to sign him on a free transfer at the end of his contract.
Juan Mata
Mata is out of contract at the end of the season, and with now negotiations, the match against Brentford was his last at Old Trafford. The 34-year-old was recalled to the starting lineup against Brentford, having impressed in his cameo against Chelsea last week. He gave a lap of honour after the match, appreciating the home crowd.
Nemanja Matic
Just like Mata, Matic’s contract with the Manchester club runs out at the end of the current campaign and will be allowed to leave on a free. He was also involved from the start against the Bees and appreciated the fans after the match in the customary lap of honour.
Jesse Lingard
Lingard came close to leaving United last season, but the club had a change of heart as former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer decided against allowing him to leave following a hugely impressive loan deal at West Ham. But with a new manager coming in, Lingard is expected to leave in the summer and is not short of suitors.
Paul Pogba
The Frenchman’s future remains unclear. He is out of contract at the end of the season, and with negotiations for a new deal has hit a snag, he could also be on his way out of the club. The situation is complicated by the recent death of his agent Mino Raiola. Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, and Real Madrid have unsurprisingly been linked with a move for the midfielder.
Edinson Cavani
Cavani has struggled with injuries this season, missing half of all Man United fixtures so far. The Uruguayan signed for United on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2020, but his future seems away from the Manchester club. He is said to be keen on a return to South America, even though there is interest from La Liga in Spain.
Lee Grant
Grant, 39, signed a one-year contract extension last summer but has only been used twice this season. It’s unlikely he will get another contract, meaning he is on the list of the players likely to depart.
