Which strikers should Manchester United sell this summer?

Wayne Rooney

Unless he's to score at least two goals in the final two matches of the season, against Arsenal and then Hull, Wayne Rooney will record his worst goalscoring figures for the season. Of course, this is tempered by the lack of European games, the short cup runs, and his appearances in midfield for much of the season. The midfield debate, United fans should pray, has been answered: Rooney no longer possesses the close control or ability to pass accurately over short to medium distances. His long passing remains accurate, but is made up of floated, advantage-killing balls to the wing, allowing defenders to drop deep.

In attack, he's struggled to find his old goalscoring touch, but much of that can be put down to the inconsistency of where he plays, and also the miserable form of those around him. However, the season might fit a pattern, of losing one talent per season. First, the explosive pace, then the creativity, then control, then passing, and potentially now, goalscoring. It's impossible to replace him this summer, and by many accounts he is a popular captain, but United should be planning his succession in both respects already. He has not kept himself in the best shape, and that could start to bite, if it hasn't already. That the vast majority of his goals come at home show that he is at best a flawed leader. YOU ARE THE LEAST WORST STRIKER AT UNITED, DEPRESSINGLY.

Robin van Persie

Another player whose career may soon be over. There have been rumours that Van Gaal is prepared to let him go, and there's no evidence from the last two years - except for one game against Spain at the World Cup - that suggest keeping him will benefit anyone. If the consensus is that his fitness will hold up next season, then he is an able deputy, but his incredible calmness in front of goal has left him. SLING YOUR HOOK.

Radamel Falcao

Much like Van Persie and Rooney, injuries have taken their toll and the three senior strikers at United simply cannot be relied upon to recall their old form. Falcao started his United career brightly, initially appearing mobile in the box and able to bring others into play. Like many others, as the team struggled, so did he, and injuries prevented him from a run of games. When Van Gaal finally alighted on 4-3-3 as his preferred formation, there was little argument that he was the superior alternative to Rooney. Basically, United have three strikers who need replacing now or next season, at best in two years. The work needs to start now or they'll end up in an even bigger mess than they are now: a sizeable mess, that is, by the way. United need strikers who can run and can hold up play, and bring in players around him. That's not something Falcao has been able to do, and unless there's any reason to believe his fitness is finally sorted, he needs binning. TRY TO MAKE THE BEST OF SUNNING YOURSELF IN MONACO WITH TAX-FREE WAGES.

James Wilson

He's played 16 games, but is still a substitute, and has only scored once a year. He's too slight to play in the middle of a front three, and needs to toughen up and gain experience elsewhere before he can make the step up. GO AWAY (FOR A YEAR).

You can read similar appraisals on the midfield here, defenders here, and goalkeepers here.