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Man Utd have five players fighting for their futures ahead of Southampton clash
Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will oversee his side's Premier League clash with Southampton on Monday night.
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For several Manchester United players, time is running out. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have three Premier League matches to go, as well as matches in the Europa League and an FA Cup semi-final (at least) against Chelsea. So Express Sport will now take a look at five players who are fighting for their futures ahead of the match against Southampton on Monday night.
Jesse Lingard
Back in the summer, Solskjaer decided to stand by Jesse Lingard.
The United star angered the Norwegian and the club’s staff with a distasteful social media post having struggled for the club all season long and many wanted him gone.
Solskjaer decided to stand by and support the England international.
But Lingard has failed to repay the faith of his manager and is yet to manage a single goal or assist in the Premier League this term.
He’s way behind Bruno Fernandes in the pecking order and is wanted by West Ham boss David Moyes, who previously managed the playmaker at Old Trafford.
Eric Bailly
When Jose Mourinho signed Eric Bailly in the summer of 2016, he thought the Ivory Coast international was destined for greatness.
However, the centre-back has struggled with injuries in the time since.
There’s no denying he has talent but his erratic cameo against Bournemouth suggests that Solskjaer would do well to sign an upgrade.
He could get more minutes under his belt between now and the end of the campaign.
And Bailly will have to make sure he grasps any opportunities that come his way.
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Phil Jones
Phil Jones could be fit before the end of the season with the defender’s recent knee operation a big success.
And, if he gets a chance to play, then the England international must take it.
For too long now Jones has struggled with injuries and his performances on the pitch have been blighted by inconsistency.
United still think there could be a future for the 28-year-old at Old Trafford.
But the majority of supporters want him to be shown the door.
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Juan Mata
Gone are the days where Juan Mata was once regarded as one of the best playmakers in the land.
United gave him a contract extension a year ago but the Spain international has failed to justify it, turning in some lacklustre displays.
Solskjaer wants his side to be quick and rapid and Mata doesn’t fit that style of player.
There’s been talk of a move to Turkish side Fenerbahce, with the Spain international reportedly open to a new challenge in Europe.
But, if he wants to making staying at the club certain, he’ll need to up the ante.
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Diogo Dalot
When Mourinho signed Diogo Dalot from Porto in the summer of 2018, he was adamant the club finally had the heir to Gary Neville.
But the Portuguese right-back is struggling at Old Trafford and has no chance of ousting Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Solskjaer’s side.
Dalot was awful in the FA Cup win over Norwich and his days at the club appear numbered.
It’s telling that Solskjaer even prefers Brandon Williams at right-back, despite the youngster being better-suited to the opposite side.
And Dalot is another with a point to prove over the coming games.
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