Manchester United to sell Tyler Blackett and Guillermo Varela - Sky sources
By Andy Burton, SSN HQ
Last Updated: 10/07/16 3:47pm
Tyler Blackett and Guillermo Varela are set to be sold by Manchester United after Jose Mourinho deemed them surplus to requirements at Old Trafford, according to Sky sources.
Neither Blackett, a central defender, nor Varela, a full-back, are currently training with the United first-team squad, an indication that they will play no part in Mourinho's plans for the future.
However, Mourinho remains keen to promote young players from the club's academy and has identified central defender Axel Tuanzebe and full-back Timothy Fosu-Mensah as stronger options to be involved in the first team.
Both will be given opportunities this season, with Mourinho confident they possess much greater potential for development.
Fosu-Mensah broke through to the first-team ranks last season, making 10 appearances for the senior side and featuring in wins against Arsenal, Manchester City and Everton, amongst others.
He can operate across the back four, as well as a defensive midfielder. It is believed Mourinho intends to focus on his development as a right-back if he is to replace Varela within the ranks of talented youngsters at the club
Tuanzebe was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, but grew up in Rochdale. He has been identified by United coaches as a leader, having captained the U18 team as a first-year scholar.
He has also been a key player for United's U21 team, although is yet to make his full first-team debut - that opportunity could come under Mourinho's stewardship this season.