Manchester United Transfer News: Latest on Juan Mata and Victor Lindelof Rumours

Juan Mata is reportedly at the top of a six-man "exit list" of Manchester United players set to be axed by new manager Jose Mourinho.

According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo (h/t Dan Gibbs of the Express), the Special One will have a "mass clear-out" of the squad with Mata, Marcos Rojo, Matteo Darmian, Antonio Valencia, Sergio Romero and Memphis Depay named as the players set to be moved on.

Sky Sports' Andy Burton added Daley Blind to that list, as the Dutchman "does not fit the physical profile Mourinho looks for in his central defenders," with the Portuguese preferring to sign "tall, fast, strong" centre-backs.

It has long been speculated that Mourinho's arrival could bring a premature end to Mata's career at Old Trafford after he sold the playmaker to United shortly after his return to Chelsea—despite the 28-year-old having been named the Blues' Player of the Year twice in the two seasons prior.

Bleacher Report UK noted Mata may not have been particularly pleased with Mourinho's appointment:

Often forced out of position under David Moyes and Louis van Gaal, Mata has not had the same impact at Old Trafford as he did at Stamford Bridge, so it wouldn't be surprising if he were to depart.

Blind has often been forced to provide cover in defence, though ESPN's Alex Shaw believes he has done an impressive job there:

However, the 26-year-old is ostensibly a holding midfielder, so it would seem unnecessary to sell him to make room for a defender—particularly when Marouane Fellaini would make a more obvious midfielder to move on.

As for Depay, he endured an underwhelming first season with United after his arrival last summer. He accrued seven goals and six assists for the Red Devils in all competitions, with just two and one coming in the Premier League, respectively.

The Dutchman accepts there is much room for improvement but said, "I don't want to give up on anything," per Unscriptd:

Indeed, at just 22, he should be given the opportunity to prove himself at United next season.

Rojo may have outstayed his welcome, though. The 26-year-old has failed to convince at either left-back or centre-back in his two seasons at the club. With the defence in need of improvement, it makes sense to move him out to make way for a new arrival.

Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News believes he should go:

However, Luckhurst thinks Darmian is worthy of a place in the squad next year:

The Italian had an inconsistent debut year but has shown more potential than Rojo. Further, his versatility—he can play across the back four and did so this season for United—makes him a very useful player to have in the squad.

David De Gea's continued brilliance makes Romero a likely candidate to leave, while Valencia is no longer at the peak of his powers. The Ecuadorian could still be useful, but it wouldn't be surprising if he were to leave.

Meanwhile, per Fredrik Jonsson and Martin Tolen of Swedish outlet Aftonbladet (h/t Jamie Anderson of the Daily Star), United have bid £20 million for Benfica star Victor Lindelof. However, per Portuguese newspaper A Bola (h/t Anderson), he'll only be allowed to leave for his £22.8 million release clause.

Gualter Fatia/Getty Images

Per Portuguese football writer Jan Hagen, the 21-year-old defender had a superb season with Benfica as they lifted the Liga NOS title:

The Swede appears content to stay put for now, though:

If the Red Devils are hoping to land him for £20 million, it seems likely they'd be prepared to meet his release clause, given the relatively small increase their bid would require.

However, there's no guarantee he'll be willing to leave after Benfica's success this season.