Manchester United’s pre-season is likely two or three weeks from kicking off, but Ruben Amorim is already making some big calls.
After a 2024-25 season in which there were few positives to bring up regarding Ruben Amorim’s system at Manchester United, pre-season is going to be key.
The time before the tour begins, in particular, will be key, with Amorim needing extra time on the training ground to drill his style of play into the players.
Due to this, Ineos must complete the four key signings United need this summer, with the attacking department taking priority in recruitment.
Right now, Bryan Mbeumo is close to joining from Brentford. The Cameroon international would join United’s first signing of the summer, Matheus Cunha.
Such impressive front three additions leave little place for United’s unwanted quartet of attackers, according to The Sun, who claim that Amorim is set to leave four players off the pre-season tour squad.
Here are the four set to be left in the cold, and the latest on their situation at United in what would be a clear statement to Ineos that the quartet must be sold or loaned.
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Alejandro Garnacho
The first name that Amorim is expected to leave home from the US tour is Alejandro Garnacho. The 20-year-old Argentine made his bed when he criticised Amorim after the Europa League final defeat, which was one act of disobedience too many.
Amorim told Garnacho to find a new club, with Ineos backing this decision to sell the academy graduate this summer.
Erik ten Hag has made Garnacho his dream signing at Bayer Leverkusen, who have the funds despite being set to spend a ridiculous £34m on Jarrell Quansah. However, Garnacho is prioritising a Premier League move, with Aston Villa, Arsenal, Tottenham, and Chelsea all linked with him at one point or another.
Leaving Garnacho at home would be the right call, unless he suddenly starts acting like a professional and apologises to the head coach, who is slowly fixing the culture at the club.
Antony
Unlike Garnacho, there will be no bitterness or bad feelings if Antony is to be sold this summer, but despite this, Amorim is planning to leave him at home.
Antony is the only one United can bring on tour without issue, as he has always been a professional, and his form over at Real Betis would see many open to the idea of a second chance.
The Brazilian was a star for Betis, and this means he has suitors this summer; however, no clubs have made a move for him yet, apart from the Sevilla-based Conference League finalists, who cannot afford the outright asking price.
Betis are offering United joint ownership, which would see the La Liga side pay €20m (£17m) for a percentage of Antony’s rights for the 2025-26 season. Betis would then keep buying rights over the years, which may see an end fee somewhere in the region of £34m or potentially even more.
Jadon Sancho
Despite never managing Jadon Sancho, Amorim is planning to leave the struggling Englishman back in Carrington this summer if he cannot find a move before the tour commences.
Sancho had a hot and cold loan with Chelsea, who opted to pay £5m to United to terminate the agreed obligation to buy.
Now, Napoli are showing interest in Sancho, with the winger himself keen on the move, which would see him reunited with Scott McTominay.
Sancho is also open to joining West Ham, with his wage demands the only issue. But if he values ‘freedom’ so highly, surely he will take the hit.
Marcus Rashford
The final name of the four tipped to be left out of the US tour squad is Marcus Rashford, who hasn’t played for United since December. Rashford demanded a new challenge at United, which was timed after Amorim dropped him for being displeased with his efforts in training.
After a loan to Villa failed to reignite his career, Rashford now has all eggs in Barcelona’s basket this summer, with a move still possible despite the Catalan side signing Nico Williams.
Rashford has also been linked with Newcastle, which will be an option explored if Barcelona don’t make their move for the 27-year-old.