Five Manchester United players set to leave Old Trafford in next 24 hours as club trims squad

Football - Europa League - Group L - Partizan Belgrade v Manchester United - Partizan Stadium, Belgrade, Serbia - October 24, 2019. Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer celebrates with Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford after the match. [REUTERS/Marko Djurica/File Photo]

Manchester United have by no means lapped up the praise for their efforts this summer following a lacklustre few months of recruitment.

But with the domestic window slamming shut on Friday there is still time to make some smart moves and allow younger players the chance to secure some regular football.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has showed a willingness to put his faith in youth, but with the stakes rising at Old Trafford their opportunities may be found elsewhere rather than in the United first team.

Young defender Teden Mengi could be one of those to seek pastures new for the interim.

The centre-half has a growing reputation at United, but given their struggles this season it is perhaps not the best time to throw a teenager into the mix.

Mengi made his only appearance off the bench last year in a Europa League clash with LASK.

A move to the football league may prove beneficial for the 18-year-old with United no doubt conscious of his long-term potential.

Teden Mengi [Photo: Courtesy]

This could also be the case for Ethan Laird, who remains a part of the club's U23 side.

Laird was one of several United youngsters who got a chance to impress in a European game against Astana last term.

He impressed sufficiently though and was given another opportunity in the same competition against Dutch side AZ Alkmaar shortly after.

The full-back signed a new deal earlier this year and is another who may benefit from some minutes in one of England's lower tiers.

Ethan Laird featured against AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League last term. [Photo: Courtesy]

Tim Fosu-Mensah is a name who burst onto the scene but could now be set for a third loan spell away.

Having made his debut in 2016 the 22-year-old has never been able to nail down a first team berth.

Injuries have played a huge part in that with Fosu-Mensah having to undergo knee ligament surgery last year.

He played in United's disappointing season opening defeat against crystal Palace but has not been seen since.

Solskjaer has previously spoken highly of the defender, who has had time away at Palace and Fulham, but another loan move could be on the cards.

Tim Fosu-Mensah played in the season (2020/21) opener. [Photo: Courtesy]

Di'Shon Bernard is another of those players who was handed a first team opportunity in the Europa League game with Astana.

Dylan Levitt, who also played in that clash, recently headed to Charlton on loan which shows United's want to see their young players perform in a different environment.

Bernard's only first team outing last term was that European game but he remains highly thought of.

He was a late arrival to Manchester having spent large parts of his youth career at Chelsea.

A loan move to a club lower down the English pyramid could further the 20-year-old's development.

Di'shon Bernard is another who could be loaned out. [Photo: Courtesy]

From the young to the not so young and a forgotten man in Lee Grant.

The goalkeeper is now sitting fourth in the pecking order at Old Trafford after Dean Henderson's return.

The 37-year-old made the one outing last term and will be happy to get some minutes under his belt.

Grant has spent the bulk of his career in the second tier of English football but may have to go lower if he is interested in getting some game time.

Any move away may rest however on whether Sergio Romero can force a move out of Manchester as is reported.

By Stephen Rutto 32 mins ago
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