Five Manchester United stars with uncertain futures under Jose Mourinho

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After Jose Mourinho made it clear that Manchester United only want “specialist” players, the futures of multi-functional players at United have been thrown up in the air. The new Manchester United manager suggested that “one or two” multi-functional players would have a place in the squad yet United are a team with a wealth of non-specialist players meaning sales are expected, but who is most at risk of heading out the exit door?

Over the next few pages, we have selected the five Red Devils whose futures may well be up in the air. Let us know your thoughts on the selection in the comments below.

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Juan Mata

Having previously being sold by Mourinho during his time at Chelsea, it is clear that there is something about the fan-favourite that the ‘Special One’ doesn’t like. Whether it is his dual-ability – the Spaniard is able to play as an inverted winger or behind the striker – or the fact that he does not appear as the ‘winner’ Mourinho associates himself with, remains to be seen. However, it seems that Juan Mata will be at a different club come the start of next season.

Odds on a move to Everton have been slashed in the last few days as a number of circumstances take their toll on Mata’s United future. Ronald Koeman’s previous history managing Mata at Valencia sparked great admiration between the pair and with the new injection of a £100 million transfer kitty for the Dutchman to exploit.

A star name is wanted at Goodison Park and Juan Mata may be that player. Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s arrival has also put doubt on the Spaniard’s future as Mata currently holds the number 8 shirt, notably the one Ibrahimovic had under Mourinho at Inter. Keeping the Swedish international happy will be vital to his form and the shirt may not seem like a big deal, but there’s certainly a reason player’s want certain numbers. What Zlatan wants, he usually gets.