Anthony Martial and Marcos Rojo face an increasingly uncertain future at Manchester United after both players were left at home when Jose Mourinho's side travelled to Germany for their final pre-season game against Bayern Munich.
Martial has fallen foul of manager Jose Mourinho after leaving United's pre-season tour of the US to be at the birth of his baby boy in Paris and going AWOL for a week. The Frenchman returned to training at Carrington on Friday but was not included in the squad that flew to Munich on Sunday morning.
Mourinho wants to sell Martial and there has been talk of a swap deal for his old Chelsea winger Willian. But the Old Trafford hierarchy are keen to hold onto the 22-year-old former Monaco player, wary that he could embarrass the club by realising his potential at a rival club.
Rojo has been identified as the odd man out among United's five centre-backs to make way for the new defender Mourinho wants before the transfer window closes on Thursday.
The Argentina defender returned to England after enjoying a post World Cup holiday, and has been in talks over his future. Everton are known to be interested in Rojo, who would cost in the region of £30million.
Time is against United, however, and it is feasible that both players could remain at the club. Mourinho has been linked with a number of defensive targets including Harry Maguire, Toby Alderweireld, Yerry Mina and Jerome Boateng.
Asked before the game about Bayern defender Boateng, Mourinho emphasised the need for United chied Ed Woodward to make a new signing.
'The other clubs that compete with us are really strong or they have already fantastic squads like Chelsea, Spurs, City, or they are investing massively like for example Liverpool buying everything and everybody,' said Mourinho. 'If we don't make our team better it will be a difficult season for us.
'My CEO knows what I want for quite a long time, I know he tries to do the best for me and I still have a few days to wait to see what happens.
Davichi
67
This whole Mourinho situation is so annoying. While other clubs are putting finishing touches to their teams and about ready for the new season, Manchester United is unsettled by uncertainties... I hope the board will take responsibility before things get out of hand, because United is still trying to get it right after Sir Alex's departure and the last thing needed is another draw back. Although a club like United can always buy established players, the future of any club resides in the hands of the young players they have, because they would form the base of the team and keep the tradition of the team. So United's board must ensure they take the best decision for the sake of the team and the future of the club.
Cuunprz
30
Why is it that mourinho always picks fights with players? I believe it's not good for football. I'm a man u fan, but on that score he does not impress me. I like the way kloop treats his players.
Vebbdmpt
28
l think mourinho and martial should know that UNITED is above any individual,so they should be professionals and do their work well.martial should learn from mata and do his job because mourinho is the boss