Manchester United’s 4-0 thrashing at the hands of MK Dons in Tuesday night’s Capital One Cup clash was one of the worst in the Red Devils’ long and proud history.
Some of the performances were truly terrible and it is possible that some of the players in last night’s lineup may have played their last game for the club with manager Louis van Gaal set to continue his spending spree until the transfer window closes.
Here are five United players who could have played their last game for the club.
1. Jonny Evans
The Northern Ireland central defender has spent all of his career at Manchester United apart from a couple of spells on loan at Sunderland.
It was hoped that Evans would become the next great centre-back and take up the mantle left by Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic. However, on this evidence Evans is a long way from emulating those two United legends.
At fault for the first goal, Evans routinely looked off the pace against League One MK Dons. He was coming back from injury but still, Evans should have been able to defend well against lowly opposition.
The performance, coupled with several years of uninspiring form could well end with Evans leaving Old Trafford. United have given Evans years of chances to improve but he just hasn’t so van Gaal may decide to cut his losses on the Northern Irishman.
2. Anderson
Man United had hoped that Anderson would be the long term replacement for Paul Scholes when they signed him in 2007.
He came to Old Trafford with an impressive reputation, with many said that he was one of the finest young Brazilian midfielders and this reputation is what persuaded United to pay £20m for his services.
After seven years Anderson has done little to suggest he was worth this price, with his career at the club beset by injury and when he has been fit, he has struggled to find a place in United’s first team. Even when he does play, he doesn’t seem to have a role.
Against the Dons, Anderson put in another wayward performance that could pave the way for his departure. He spent the last half of last season on loan at Fiorentina and it was expected that he would move their permanently. That hasn’t happened.
It would be a huge surprise to see the South American still at the club past the September 1. The Red Devils will almost certainly try and get rid of him but his departure will depend on clubs wanting him and their don’t seem to many who do at the moment.
3. Javier Hernandez
He has always had a handy knack of scoring crucial goals when he comes off the bench and he had an incredibly promising first season at the club.
However, partly because of his super sub tag, Hernandez hasn’t started many games for United. When he has been in the starting XI, he has struggled to have an impact on games.
Hernandez appears to be desperate for more first team football but after Tuesda, he certainly won’t be guaranteed it. This could lead to him leaving the club before the transfer window closes. Several sides are thought to be interested in his services, especially Juventus.
4. Shinji Kagawa
During his time at Borussia Dortmund, Shinji Kagawa was regarded as the best playmaker in the Bundesliga. He opened up defences for the likes of Robert Lewandowski to score buckets of goals. He helped Dortmund to win the German League twice.
His excellent form for Dortmund persuaded Man United to buy him, with many hoping that he would be the answer to the Red Devils central midfield problems.
Van Gaal tried to convert Kagawa into a central midfielder during the summer but that didn’t work, much to the Dutchman’s annoyance.
Against MK Dons, the Japan international wasn’t really at fault for the teams display as he went off injured early in the game. However, he maybe a casualty from it.
His former club Dortmund are thought to be interested in re-signing him, while several other sides are interested in his signature as well. After two inconsistent seasons it might be best for both Kagawa and United to part company.
5. Nick Powell
Powell is player who has yet to really be given an opportunity at United. Signed from Crewe Alexandra in 2012 after an impressive performance in the League Two playoff final, no one really thought Powell would be a regular part of the team straight away but would instead be a player for the future.
He spent last season on loan at Wigan, where he made 32 appearances for the Latics. Unfortunately for Powell, he may well be a victim of circumstance as much as anything.
The 20-year-old is another No.10, a type of player United have plenty of. He won’t get many first team opportunities at Old Trafford this season so his career may stall if he stays their.
The MK Dons match should have been an opportunity for Powell to show van Gaal would he could do. Although Powell didn’t really do anything wrong, he didn’t get much right either, putting in a mediocre performance.
Wigan are reportedly interested in re-signing Powell and if the Latics do make a bid, van Gaal may decide to cut his losses and sell up.
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