Manchester United veteran duo could be set for Old Trafford exit as Spanish sides eye bargain transfers

Ralf Rangnick could be set to offload two veteran superstars with Barcelona and other La Liga clubs reportedly keen on moves.
Juan Mata and Edinson Cavani of Manchester United celebrate after the UEFA Champions League group F match between Atalanta and Manchester United at Gewiss Stadium on November 02, 2021Juan Mata and Edinson Cavani of Manchester United celebrate after the UEFA Champions League group F match between Atalanta and Manchester United at Gewiss Stadium on November 02, 2021
Juan Mata and Edinson Cavani of Manchester United celebrate after the UEFA Champions League group F match between Atalanta and Manchester United at Gewiss Stadium on November 02, 2021

Manchester United could be set to offload two veteran stars on free transfers next month according to recent reports from Spain.

Despite scoring the goal which salvaged a point in their 1-1 draw with Newcastle United at St James’ Park last night, Edison Cavani could see his current contract at Old Trafford torn up next month.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

That is because Barcelona are thought to be keen on the 34-year old Uruguayan, who is also understood to be keen on the move, but the Spanish side are unwilling to pay a transfer fee.

Whether or not it does unfold that way, it does look increasingly likely that the former PSG striker will be leaving Old Trafford for the Nou Camp next month.

Meanwhile, midfielder Juan Mata finds himself in a similar situation and could be leaving United on a cut price deal next month to join Real Sociedad in his native Spain.

The 33-year old has been with the Red Devils since 2014 but could be on his way out in a bid to secure more regular game time.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Here is everything we know about the current situations of both Edison Cavani and Juan Mata:

Will Edison Cavani leave Manchester United next month?

Edinson Cavani of Manchester United chips the ball over Martin Dubravka of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Newcastle United  and  Manchester United at St James' Park on December 27, 2021Edinson Cavani of Manchester United chips the ball over Martin Dubravka of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Newcastle United  and  Manchester United at St James' Park on December 27, 2021
Edinson Cavani of Manchester United chips the ball over Martin Dubravka of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St James' Park on December 27, 2021

It is looking increasingly likely that Edison Cavani will leave Manchester United next month.

Barcelona want to sign the player and the Uruguayan wants to move to the Nou Camp, the only thing standing in the way of that move is whether or not the two clubs can agree on a fee.

United may or may not be willing to let the player go for nothing, freeing up his considerable wage to be used elsewhere in the window, or they may look to secure a fee.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

SkyBet currently have the move priced at 6/4, suggesting that it looks likely to happen but that there is still work to be done.

Cavani joined Manchester United in October 2020 after seven years in France with PSG.

However, Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to Old Trafford saw the Uruguayan drop down the pecking order and he has made just six Premier League appearances this season.

The 34-year old came off the bench in United’s 1-1 draw with Newcastle United to score the equalising goal that salvaged a point for the Red Devils.

Will Juan Mata leave Manchester United next month?

uan Mata of Manchester United during the UEFA Champions League group F match between Manchester United and BSC Young Boys at Old Trafford on December 8, 2021 uan Mata of Manchester United during the UEFA Champions League group F match between Manchester United and BSC Young Boys at Old Trafford on December 8, 2021
uan Mata of Manchester United during the UEFA Champions League group F match between Manchester United and BSC Young Boys at Old Trafford on December 8, 2021
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Juan Mata’s Manchester United future is unclear but there does appear to be interest in the former Chelsea and Valencia midfielder.

Real Sociedad are rumoured to be interested in bringing the Spain international back to play in his homeland for the first time in ten years.

However, a move may be more likely to occur in the summer rather than the January transfer window.

Mata’s Manchester United contract expires at the end of the season and his current position in the Old Trafford first team suggests the club do not have any plans for the World Cup winner.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He has played just three times for United this season, twice in the Champions League and once in the Carabao Cup.

However, with Covid-19 regulations the way they are at the moment, United may not want to force any first team players out if they do not need to regardless of how far down the pecking order they are.