Manchester United have identified the four players that they will not be selling in the upcoming summer transfer window, as Ruben Amorim looks to overhaul his inherited squad
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13:50, 21 May 2025
BILBAO, SPAIN - MAY 20: Ruben Amorim, Manager of Manchester United, speaks to the media during a press conference ahead of the UEFA Europa League Final 2025 between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Estadio de San Mames on May 20, 2025 in Bilbao, Spain. (Photo by Alex Pantling - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
Ruben Amorim may look to overhaul his squad this summer(Image: undefined via Getty Images)
Manchester United have identified four players who are off the table for any potential sales in the upcoming summer transfer window as Ruben Amorim plans to overhaul his squad. United have endured a disappointing season under new boss Amorim, who took over following Erik ten Hag's dismissal in October.
Currently, the Red Devils languish 16th in the Premier League with a mere 10 victories in the entire 2024/25 campaign - three of which were secured under Ten Hag. With the Europa League final against Tottenham being the club's last chance for silverware this season, significant changes may be required over the summer if Amorim hopes to restore United's former glory.
The reality is that the 40-year-old strategist has found it challenging to adapt the squad he inherited from Ten Hag's reign to his distinctive style of play, with pundits like Gary Neville suggesting that at least six new faces are needed in the first team ahead of next season. However, the board may need to sell stars before they can bring in new talent, as demonstrated by their modest business in January, which saw them spend just £26million on Ayden Heaven and Patrick Dorgu.
It's believed that minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe is looking to boost United's transfer budget this summer with the permanent departures of three stars currently out on loan. Marcus Rashford has been showcasing his skills at Aston Villa since January after it became clear he didn't fit into Amorim's plans, while Antony is currently enjoying a stint with Real Betis, and Jadon Sancho is at Chelsea.
There's a notion that United could pocket as much as £100m for the trio; however, offloading the players may prove a bit tricky. Chelsea might opt to pay a £5m penalty instead of purchasing Sancho for the £25m they agreed as an obligation for finishing within the top 14 of the league this season, given his lacklustre performances in west London.
Meanwhile, Villa are yet to agree to the £40m asking price that United have set for Rashford, and although Antony has become one of Betis' standout performers recently, they're under no obligation to buy him at the end of his loan spell. Four players who are considered indispensable for United might also cause Amorim some headaches when it comes to his summer plans.
According to The Telegraph, Bruno Fernandes, Amad, Leny Yoro, and Harry Maguire are seen as essential assets at United for the 2025/26 season, meaning that Amorim might be forced to incorporate them into his future plans and build around them – despite Fernandes turning 30 in September, and Maguire just celebrating his 32nd birthday in March. This represents a significant reversal in terms of the players considered indispensable at United going into last year's summer transfer window.
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 16: Jim Ratcliffe, Co-owner of Manchester United looks on prior to the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Manchester United FC at Stamford Bridge on May 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Sir Jim Ratcliffe may hope to sell numerous players this summer
According to the same source in April 2024, Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund were the three players that United needed to retain. However, lacklustre performances throughout 2024/25 have seemingly shifted opinion at Old Trafford.
While Garnacho has contributed six goals and two assists in the Premier League this season, he has recently found himself relegated to the bench in favour of Mason Mount.
Hojlund, on the other hand, has only managed to score four times this term in the Premier League, a far cry from the prolific striker that United currently crave. Meanwhile, Mainoo has also failed to deliver from midfield – both stars are goalless and without an assist in 24 league games this season. Only time will tell how things unfold for United this summer, with pressure expected to increase on Amorim in 2025/26.
Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo stand dejected
Bruno Fernandes and Amad are thought to be irreplaceable
The board has been remarkably patient with the mastermind's lack of results this term, but that could soon change if he fails to deliver after having a full transfer window and pre-season to adjust his team. However, the forthcoming transfer window will not be the primary concern for United's top brass on Wednesday night.
The Red Devils are setting their sights on clinching their first Europa League title in eight years as they square off against Ange Postecoglou's Spurs. The two teams have only ever clashed once before in Europe, with Matt Busby's United triumphing over Spurs 4-3 on aggregate across two legs during the last 16 of the 1963/64 Cup Winners' Cup.
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