Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has opened the possibility of reinstating out of favour players into the first-team squad after the summer transfer window.
The Red Devils sanctioned a loan deal for Marcus Rashford to Barcelona earlier this summer.
With his departure, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia are among players left from the ‘bomb squad’ that were absent for the pre-season tour of the United States.
When pressed on the future of the quartet, Amorim said that it is clear that they want to play for a different club, and the United hierarchy are doing everything possible to make it happen.
However, the manager added that the story will be different after the transfer window closes. He acknowledged that the door is open for the outcasts to be reintegrated into the squad.
Amorim told reporters: “Again, I know that it’s not a good thing to have players in this situation, but it’s clear that they want to play in a different club. That is clear.
“So we try to arrange everything for both parties to be happy, so I have to try to imagine to have the training with the guys that I think are going to be the future.
“And then the other guys are training and preparing for the next chapter.
“When the window is closed, it’s a different story. When the window is closed, we have to receive the players and then new life and anything can happen.”
Garnacho & Antony could return to the squad
From the bomb squad, we widely expect Malacia to leave on loan this summer. The Dutchman is well down the pecking order when it comes to the left wing-back position.
Patrick Dorgu, Diogo Dalot, Diego Leon and Harry Amass are among options at the manager’s disposal. Luke Shaw has featured in the back three, but can also play there.
Hence, Malacia looks poised to head for the exit door. Garnacho, Antony and Sancho would still be useful for United, but the latter could be on his way out in the near future.
Roma and Besiktas are ready to meet United’s demands, but Sancho prefers a Champions League club. Juventus have been credited with an interest in landing his signature.
Sancho is likely to find a solution one way or another before the deadline. He seems prepared to accept a significant pay-cut to move abroad.
This leaves United with Garnacho and Antony. As things stand, there are no formal offers for the duo.
Garnacho’s desire to join Chelsea has been well documented, but United are adamant that he won’t be leaving for less than £50 million. Chelsea value him at just over £25m.
The drastic gap in valuations could hamper his prospects of leaving the club. The Argentine is insistent that he won’t entertain any other offers. He could yet stay at United.
Antony has likewise been adamant on joining Real Betis, who can only afford a loan deal. He managed 14 goal contributions during his short-term loan at Betis last season.
There is a possibility that the Brazilian could stay unless he changes his stance in the coming days.
Garnacho and Antony may not be considered as starters in the Premier League this season, but Amorim could utilise the duo in the Cup competitions if they don’t move on.