It has been one of the worst title defences in living memory, costing new manager David Moyes his job and surely signalling a major squad revamp this summer.
With relative fortunes said to be at the disposal of the new manager, a plethora of new faces are expected to arrive at Old Trafford this summer.
Given the desperately poor showings this campaign, many of the current squad will surely be deemed surplus to requirements.
Here, MM looks at who should be part of the new regime and who should be clearing their locker pronto:
David De Gea
One of the few bright sparks this season, De Gea has arguably been United’s player of the season and has continued the development he showed last year.
VERDICT: STAYS
Anders Lindegaard
Doesn’t get much of a chance behind De Gea but every club needs a capable number two and Lindegaard is just that. If he is happy to continue to play second fiddle he should be kept on, but it would be perfectly understandable if he chose to move on for first team football.
VERDICT: STAYS
Rafael
This has not been a great season for the Brazilian right back. Last year he established himself as one of United’s top performers but this campaign has been disappointing. At just 23 there remains room for improvement and so he needs to stay, but a new right back could well be on the transfer agenda.
VERDICT: STAYS
Nemanja Vidic
The decision has been made for United’s talismanic skipper to move on, departing the club for Inter. Injuries have caught up with the Serbian international and so it is the right time for him to play in an easier league.
VERDICT: GOING
Rio Ferdinand
At 35 and at the end of his contract it seems unlikely he will be offered a new deal at the club. Despite insisting he wants to stay and play on, age and injuries have caught up with the defender, who is without doubt one of the finest centre backs in United’s history.
VERDICT: GO
Jonny Evans
Evans has been in and out of the team this season due to a number of injury problems but is one of the club’s best defenders. Last season Evans was key in the title win and when fit he is a terrific asset.
VERDICT: STAYS
Phil Jones
A young player who has not made the grade and more than likely never will. A ‘jack of all trades’ but most definitely master of none. Often resembles a wind-up action figure that you let go and it runs around for a bit, bumping into everything and achieving very little. Jones is not cut out to be a Manchester United player.
VERDICT: GO
Chris Smalling
A similar story to Jones in many ways but Smalling seems to have more to offer than his compatriot. Sometimes deployed at right back but more comfortably a centre back, Smalling needs to really establish himself after a period of injuries and inconsistency.
VERDICT: ON PROBATION
Patrice Evra
Out of contract this summer and is widely expected to leave. While a new left back is an absolute priority in the window, Evra should be offered a new deal if he is happy to stay and work alongside his younger replacement.
VERDICT: STAYS
Alexander Buttner
The Dutchman was a baffling signing by Sir Alex Ferguson at a time when it was thought United wanted a replacement for Evra. Since his arrival he has not dislodged the Frenchman and has shown little promise when selected.
VERDICT: GO
Nani
The Portuguese has bundles of talent and is one of the most frustrating players in recent United history as he has never consistently delivered. Now looks the time to put him out of misery and let the enigmatic winger try his luck elsewhere.
VERDICT: GO
Ashley Young
Infuriatingly inconsistent, Young has never justified the reported £17million Ferguson paid Aston Villa for him. Admittedly he has had terrible luck with injuries, but the winger doesn’t look like ever becoming a United star.
VERDICT: GO
Antonio Valencia
Valencia was United’s player of the season in 2012, but since then he has suffered an alarming dip in form. At his best he is a handful for defenders with his pace and power, but the winger has not delivered his best for the past two seasons.
VERDICT: ON PROBATION
Shinji Kagawa
The curious case of Shinji Kagawa. The Japanese playmaker has firm fan support, despite contributing very little since his arrival in 2012. His preferred role is behind the striker but he is often used out wide and as such struggles to make the outstanding impact he made at Borussia Dortmund.
VERDICT: ON PROBATION
Michael Carrick
He was instrumental in the title win last season but has been a victim of the dreadful showings this campaign. The midfielder still has the quality and can still play a key role despite his advancing years.
VERDICT: STAYS
Anderson
Loaned out to Fiorentina in January and frankly if the Brazilian tries to return to Carrington he should discover that the locks have changed. Once touted as potentially the best player in the world, all United got was a clumsy, overweight and inadequate midfielder.
VERDICT: GO
Darren Fletcher
VERDICT: STAYS
Tom Cleverley
Suffers a barrage of abuse from fans especially at international level but the midfielder has plenty to offer. He was a key player last season but has been woeful this campaign. Looks destined to never be a first team regular but is certainly a valuable rotation midfielder.
VERDICT: STAYS
Marouane Fellaini
Quite why Moyes signed him was a mystery at the time and it has become no clearer since. Fellaini has been truly appalling this season and should be shipped out as soon as possible.
VERDICT: GO
Ryan Giggs
United’s record appearance maker is nothing short of a club legend but at 40, it is probably time he hung up his boots and moved permanently in to coaching.
VERDICT: GO
Wilfried Zaha
Ferguson’s last signing was never given a chance under Moyes and when he was loaned to Cardiff it was clear to see why. Questions over his attitude and very little on-field performance means his role at the club is in doubt.
VERDICT: ON PROBATION
Nick Powell
The youngster signed from Crewe showed great promise in his early outings for United and has continued that on loan at Wigan – claiming their golden boot. Certainly has elements of his game to fine tune but looks to have a bright future.
VERDICT: STAYS
Juan Mata
Mata became United’s club record signing in January and has since shown why Moyes felt he was worth £38million. At his best he is one of the world’s top playmakers but quite how he fits when Rooney and Van Persie play is a difficult question.
VERDICT: STAYS
Wayne Rooney
One of the few players who seemed to try during the Moyes regime, Rooney has had an impressive season. The £300,000 a week contract he signed last summer means Rooney is going nowhere.
VERDICT: STAYS
Danny Welbeck
The homegrown forward has pace, power and control in abundance but sadly the lad couldn’t finish his breakfast. If he can find a goal scoring edge he could be a top man for United, but otherwise he may always be a bit part player.
VERDICT: ON PROBATION
Robin van Persie
Appeared to down tools under Moyes, which may have damaged the iconic status among supporters that he built by firing United to the title last season. At his best he is one of the world’s top strikers and the new manager needs to get him firing again.
VERDICT: STAYS
Javier Hernandez
Hernandez is one of the most natural finishers in the world and has pace to burn. Unfortunately the Mexican never delivers as much when he starts as when he comes off the bench – giving him the unfortunate ‘super-sub’ tag. For his own development, Hernandez should be allowed to leave.
VERDICT: GO
Main image courtesy of Jason Cairnduff/Action Images, with thanks.
