Man Utd's 8 'misled' players and their chances of staying at club beyond January

A host of Manchester United's squad players feel misled by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer about their prospects at Old Trafford, according to reports.

The Red Devils boast a star-studded squad, but only a selection of those individuals are enjoying sufficient playing time.

United added Cristiano Ronaldo, Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane to a group that finished second last term, progress on third the year prior.

Optimism grew and Solskjaer felt he needed a big squad so he could fight on all fronts, but already that hope hasn't materialised.

United are out of the Carabao Cup and, even at this early stage, are being left behind in the title race.

A poor run of results has highlighted the flaws at United, with Solskjaer bearing the brunt of criticism, but his reluctance to shake things up is of huge frustration, reports the Telegraph.

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Several players opted to remain in Manchester in the summer on the understanding they would get more minutes.

Solskjaer spoke publicly about certain individuals, claiming Jesse Lingard would play a "big role", for example.

However he, among others, are yet to be even be handed a Premier League start which could lead to major decisions in January.

United have invested heavily since Sir Alex Ferguson's, sometimes without a clear strategy, but some of those signed during Solskjaer's tenure also appear to be on the periphery of the squad.

Donny van de Beek

Signed from Ajax for £40m less than 18 months ago, but quickly it became evident that he was behind Bruno Fernandes in the pecking order.

He scored on his debut but was, in the eyes of many, underused in his debut year and, heading into his second year, felt that things would change for the better.

Heading into December Van de Beek has played just 15 minutes in the league with a start yet to come his way.

Internally team-mates are supposedly baffled as to why the Dutchman continues to be shunned and, with a recent change of agent, a move away in January could be on the cards.

Jesse Lingard

He failed to start a league game in four months last term and, more than three months into this season, he is, again, yet to start.

A loan move to West Ham last season enable Lingard to rediscover his best form and he returned to Old Trafford with plenty of promise.

As mentioned earlier, Solskjaer spoke about the player having a big role, although gave no indiction he would be a starter.

Lingard has knocked back the offer of a new deal and, with his contract up in the summer, could leave for a reduced fee in January.

Dean Henderson

The goalkeeper was dealt a setback in his battle with David de Gea as he suffered with Covid in the summer, which hampered his preparations.

Upon returning to United Henderson has attempted to replace the long-term No 1. The Spaniard's form has made that difficult this term, which is costing the goalkeeper with England.

He has spoken about looking elsewhere if doors do not open but will sit tight until the summer before assessing his options.

Eric Bailly

The defender only signed a new deal earlier this year which ties him down until 2024.

However he is someway down the pecking order and, with Varane coming in, will find game time even more at a premium.

He was thrown in recently as Solskjaer was dealt several injury blows, but an own goal in the Manchester derby could cost him.

Bailly's decision to sign a new deal suggests a move away is not on his agenda, despite the host of defenders available to the club.

Alex Telles

The full-back was signed last summer but, since then, has only started on eight occasions.

Telles' only outing in the Premier League has come as a sub with his best moment this season coming in the Champions League, when he scored against Villarreal.

Despite both Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka coming in for criticism Telles has continued to be overlooked.

When United beat Tottenham on October 30 he posted a cryptic post that said: "Good things come to those who work for it" with a zip mouth face emoji.

His frustration appears evident but Solskjaer has been reluctant to sanction departures.

Diogo Dalot

Another full-back who is struggling to force his way into the first-team picture.

Dalot was sent out on loan last term to AC Milan but was unable to secure another switch away, be it permanently or temporarily.

He said recently: "I wanted to stay here and the club trusted me to stay here. My mind was completely focused on having an important role in this team."

However Solskjaer appears loyal to both Shaw and Wan-Bissaka, who have both started all 11 games.

Juan Mata

The Spaniard has played just once in all competitions this term, which came in the Carabao Cup loss to West Ham.

Mata, himself a playmaker who is an attacking option, has a host of players ahead of him in the pecking order which has clearly affected his playing time.

According to The Sun, Mata is considering leaving in January, either on a pre-contract agreement or for a fee, which could suit both the player and the club.

Anthony Martial

The striker has continued to be something of a maybe man, with his talent clear, even if he hasn't always produced.

Martial was linked with a move away from Manchester back in the summer but Solskjaer was determined to keep hold of the player.

Despite that the United boss has only handed him two leagues starts, scoring against Everton back in October.

He, like several other attackers, is behind the likes of Ronaldo, Sancho, Edinson Cavani, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood.

However a January exit would be extremely unlikely.