Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim finished last season with optimistic words

The Man Utd Five: Ousted Stars Leave Amorim’s Plans in Limbo

Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United rebuild is stalling as five high-profile players—Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, and Tyrrell Malacia—remain on the books despite being officially frozen out of first-team activities.

The Portuguese coach made his intentions clear six weeks ago, saying he had a “clear idea” of how his squad should look. Yet, with United’s pre-season underway and their first friendly against Leeds fast approaching, the clarity he promised has yet to materialise.

Amorim’s ‘Bomb Squad’ Exile

On July 4, United confirmed the quintet had asked to leave and would not train with the main squad. Rashford’s iconic No.10 shirt has already been handed to £62.5m signing Matheus Cunha, while the unwanted players are barred from the Carrington training ground until Amorim and his preferred squad depart each day.

This firm stance sends a message to potential suitors but weakens United’s negotiating position, making it harder to secure lucrative deals for players who cost the club more than £167m combined.

Transfer Rumours but No Progress

Rashford has been linked with Barcelona but a deal remains unlikely unless he accepts a pay cut.
Sancho is on Juventus’ radar, but their focus is on Porto’s Francisco Conceição.
Antony is wanted back by Real Betis after a successful loan spell.
Garnacho has admirers at Chelsea, Napoli, and Atletico Madrid.
Malacia has been suggested as a target for Celtic.

United’s financial constraints mean Amorim may have to sell to fund further incomings. So far, the only major addition is Cunha, with a £60m move for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo still pending.

Can United Raise Funds in Time?

Kobbie Mainoo, like Garnacho, would be pure profit in the accounts because he is a homegrown player

United are relying on sell-on clauses to generate cash:

Anthony Elanga’s £55m move from Forest to Newcastle earned £6m.
Alvaro Carreras’ transfer to Real Madrid should net £7.6m.
Maxi Oyedele’s move from Legia Warsaw to Strasbourg could add £2m.

But with other targets like Viktor Gyokeres and Liam Delap slipping away, United may need to make tough decisions on their fringe players.

Amorim’s Challenge Ahead

The squad’s uncertainty extends beyond the bomb squad:

Defence: Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martinez face competition from Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven.
Midfield: Bruno Fernandes’ commitment means Kobbie Mainoo and Toby Collyer could see limited minutes.
Attack: Rasmus Hojlund’s future is unclear after links to Roma.

Amorim’s desire for a smaller, more focused squad will be tested as United attempt to recover from last season’s dismal 15th-place finish—their worst since relegation in 1973-74.

With their Premier League opener against Arsenal on August 17 looming, the clarity Amorim spoke of in Hong Kong still feels far away for United supporters.