Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal plans to clearout FOUR senior defenders in the next stage of his rebuilding plans. The Daily Star says Van Gaal is preparing to axe four mainstays of the United defence.

Reports suggest the Dutchman will allow the British trio of Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones to leave the club, along with the Brazilian right-back Rafael.

Van Gaal is understood to be unhappy with the way the quartet have adapted to his coaching methods and tactical plans.

Rafael was reportedly told he had no future at the club over the summer.

Smalling, Evans and Jones are all out of contract in the summer of 2016, and reports from Manchester suggest they are likely to be sold in either this window or next, with the club eager not to lose them for nothing, but also unwilling to offer them new contracts.