5 Man Utd stars who could be key under Ten Hag as he welcomes back forgotten man

Manchester United are trimming their squad ahead of next season after a busy day which confirmed two further departures from their first-team squad.

Paul Pogba is on the lookout for a new club after United confirmed his exit at the end of his contract on Wednesday before the club also said their goodbyes to Jesse Lingard. Lee Grant and Nemanja Matic have also had their departures confirmed, while Juan Mata and Edinson Cavani are also leaving the club.

With Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Phil Jones, Eric Bailly and Anthony Martial among those who United will listen to offers for this summer, incoming boss Erik ten Hag will be looking to make full use of the others in his squad. Here are five players who could see their careers at the club revived under the Dutchman.

Donny van de Beek

The most obvious connection between Ten Hag and United is Donny van de Beek, who switched Ajax for Old Trafford in 2020. The midfielder made 175 appearances under the Dutchman, scoring 41 goals, and thriving in the role he was given in the side.

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Ten Hag said of the 24-year-old prior to his exit from the Amsterdam-based club to United: "Donny has become an absolute star for us. He has developed into a modern midfielder, with depth, goals and a strong transition to both sides."

However, things have not gone to plan for van de Beek at United and he joined Everton on loan in January - but will now return. Van de Beek may be given a reprieve at Old Trafford following the return of his former boss.

Amad Diallo

Another player returning from a loan spell away at the club, Ivorian forward Amad spent the second half of the season on loan at Scottish club Rangers - whom he helped to the Europa League final.

Still aged just 19, he remains a hugely exciting talent - which prompted United to part with a large transfer fee to sign him from Atalanta two years ago. The exit of multiple attacking players from Old Trafford may now mean he is afforded minutes in the first-team squad this season and particularly with a multitude of Europa League matches to come.

Hannibal Mejbri

Another 19-year-old, Hannibal has been capped 12 times by the Tunisia national team and enjoyed first-team minutes in the final matches of Ralf Rangnick's tenure at United.

A combative midfielder with an eye for goal, there are high hopes for the teenager at Old Trafford and the multiple midfield exits at United may allow him to forge a bigger part in Ten Hag's planning.

Andreas Pereira

The Brazilian midfielder has returned to United with Ten Hag identifying Pereira as someone who fits the profile of player who could help his squad.

The midfielder has been out on loan at Flamengo back in his homeland after he found minutes hard to come by. Pereira had previously been a regular at Old Trafford but the arrival of Bruno Fernandes in January 2020 changed the dynamic and saw him fall down the pecking order.

With the exits of Pogba, Lingard and Mata - Pereira may finally now have a squad role to play at the club.

James Garner

Garner has already made seven first-team appearances for United - over half of which came in the Europa League in 2019/20 - and he could be utilised in similar games this season.

The central midfielder showcased his skills at Nottingham Forest this campaign and played a huge role in their successful promotion back to the Premier League, having also starred on loan at Watford.

Garner clearly has a very bright future and Ten Hag will assess his talents during pre-season, before deciding if he is ready for first-team action or if his development may be better aided by another loan spell.