Dubbed the worst season so far since 1990, back when Sir Alex Ferguson managed Manchester United, Ruben Amorim is under tremendous pressure to make best use of his first summer transfer window at Old Trafford.
With the transfer window looming and increased pressure from threats by INEOS to scrap his plan for Premiership victory by 2028, Amorim is running out of chances to fill out the tricky 3-4-2-1 formation effectively.
Earlier this season, Lee Sharpe, via Manchester Evening News, expressed concerns that “Ruben Amorim might find it challenging to bring through many academy players this season”, as is Amorim’s youth-centric plan.
The Portuguese manager has already made moves to realise his vision for the Red Devils, with little success so far, but manchesterworld has already determined who will be leaving Old Trafford and why.
First on the departure list is Victor Lindelof, whose 8-year tenure at the club makes him United’s second-longest serving player.
The Metro tells us that “given the abundance of centre-backs at Old Trafford, Manchester United have been happy to let Lindelof’s contract run down and he will be a free agent come the summer.”
Next is Tom Heaton, United replacement goalie. At 38 years-old and no Premier League appearances, Heaton is expected to retire at the end of the 2024/25 season.
Having already retired from international football, Jonny Evans is also expected to leave the team. With Amorim seeking a more youthful squad, this season will be the 37 year-old’s last of a very highly decorated career.
Given his recent success while on loan at Aston Villa, and his past disagreements with Amorim, it seems unlikely Marcus Rashford will return to Old Trafford next season.
talkSport recently reported that “Amorim said that the 27-year-old forward must change his attitude if he’s to make a return to the Manchester United starting line-up.
🗣️ “He has to change”
Ruben Amorim discusses the situation with Marcus Rashford if he does not secure a move away from Manchester United 🔴 pic.twitter.com/2mxueRKiT6
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 29, 2025
Christian Erikson has also found difficulty in improving on his form, and manchesterworld stated that “the experienced midfielder has struggled for form, fitness and game time”. As a result, United fans cannot expect to see him at Old Trafford next season.
Finally, Antony: one of the worst signings in Manchester United history. Despite his recent success at Real Betis, Antony has yet to impress Amorim in a United jersey, and will likely stay at Betis where his talents are better nurtured and appreciated.
The Red Devils will be losing an inordinate amount of talent this Summer, and United fans can only pray that the risk taken by their club on Amorim’s plan for success will pay off.
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