As per The Sun, Ruben Amorim has identified four high-profile Manchester United players he wants gone as part of his aggressive squad rebuild.
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has begun his pre-season with decisive action, reportedly informing Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Antony, and Alejandro Garnacho they are not part of his plans.
All four players have been excluded from the club’s upcoming pre-season tour, with Amorim pushing for swift exits to reshape the squad in line with his high-intensity playing philosophy.
The move signals a bold new direction at Old Trafford and sets the tone for a potentially turbulent transfer window.
Marcus Rashford
Rashford joined United’s academy at age seven and debuted in February 2016, scoring two goals on his senior debut. He made 426 appearances and scored 138 goals across all competitions by 2025. After struggling under Amorim, Rashford went on loan to Aston Villa in February 2025.
Now, it appears Rashford has fallen completely out of favour following a disappointing loan spell at Villa. Amorim reportedly sees Rashford as incompatible with his high-pressing system and wants to move him on this summer.
In a symbolic move, Manchester United has stripped Rashford of his No. 10 shirt and reassigned it to new signing Matheus Cunha. This decision signals a clear break with the past and underlines Rashford’s diminishing role under Amorim’s leadership.
The England international is now expected to explore options abroad, with Barcelona and Newcastle showing early interest in a deal.
Jadon Sancho
Sancho joined Manchester United from Borussia Dortmund in 2021. Injuries and form limited him to 26 goals in 134 appearances. He spent the 2024–25 season on loan at Chelsea (31 apps, 3 goals, 2 assists).
Sancho’s loan at Chelsea didn’t translate to a permanent deal, and his return to United lacks a future under Amorim.
He has also been barred from pre‑season as talks with Juventus and other clubs continue regarding possible moves.
Alejandro Garnacho
Garnacho also seeks an exit following frustration over limited Europa League final minutes and the manager’s public dissatisfaction with his performance output.
United have left him out of the US tour, with interest from Chelsea and Napoli emerging amid declining squad priority.
Garnacho joined United’s academy at age 16 from Atlético Madrid in 2020. He has made 144 first-team appearances, contributing 26 goals and 22 assists.
He helped United win the FA Cup and Carabao Cup (scoring in the FA Cup final), and earned Copa America honours with Argentina. Despite his early promise, Garnacho’s form dipped and he finds himself frozen out and eyeing a move away from Old Trafford.
Antony
Antony impressed during his loan at Real Betis, but the club remains determined to sell despite his performance in Spain.
Amorim’s plan leaves no room for Antony in his squad, putting pressure on United to complete a sale quickly.
Antony arrived from Ajax in 2022 and registered 5 Premier League goals, 3 assists in 62 league matches for United. He spent the 2024–25 season on loan at Real Betis, scoring 5 goals in 17 La Liga appearances.
Antony’s impressive form on loan at Real Betis, but Man United remain determined to offload him before the start of the new season.
Antony has officially been blocked from United’s pre-season to leave, adding weight to speculation that he won’t play for the club again.
Is Amorim Taking the Right Approach At United?
It’s clear that Amorim is reshaping United’s squad around his high-intensity pressing style and strict training demands, with full backing from the club’s hierarchy, provided the rebuild remains financially sound.
United have already secured Cunha and are targeting Bryan Mbeumo, aiming to trim the squad and ease the wage bill ahead of pre-season. While some fans applaud Amorim’s ruthlessness, others express concern over losing star names without ready-made replacements.
Pundits like Gary Neville support the clear-out but urge balance. With Rashford, Sancho, Antony, and Garnacho all likely to exit, Amorim’s ability to rebuild effectively will define United’s next chapter.
Only time will tell whether Amorim and United can balance change with success, or if they’re taking too big a risk.
