Five Players Ruben Amorim Should Release at Man Utd… and Five Players to Center His Squad Around
Ruben Amorim is fully aware of the weight of his duties at Manchester United after recent events.
The 3-0 loss against Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Sunday sees United positioned 13th in the league as Christmas approaches—now closer to the relegation zone by seven points than to the top of the Premier League.
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The Portuguese manager contemplated entering the Premier League mid-season or waiting until the end of the season before leaving Sporting Lisbon.
In the end, the allure of managing at Old Trafford and the challenge of rejuvenating a struggling squad was too inviting.
Nevertheless, Amorim must deliver results promptly or face a season that risks spiraling out of control, potentially having damaging effects on future recruitment.
Amorim prefers a 3-4-3 setup, yet many of the players he inherited are not aligned with this tactical approach.
If there were doubts among fans a few weeks ago, they will now be confirmed.
According to SunSport, here are five players Amorim should base his team around, five who should be moved on, and others whose futures remain uncertain…
STAYERS —
MANUEL UGARTE
The Uruguayan midfielder faced difficulties early in his tenure, probably as a result of a squad that had struggled under Erik ten Hag.
Recently, Ugarte has demonstrated his ability to be a key performer in the center of the pitch.
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AMAD DIALLO
The Ivorian winger has spent five years at United but is finally beginning to convert his potential into real impact.
Amorim requires his wide players to cut inside and create problems while also being able to challenge in wide areas. Amad perfectly meets this criteria and boasts impressive speed.
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LENY YORO
Another promising young player for United, Yoro has had a tough time with injuries since joining from Lille over the summer.
The 19-year-old has a lot to learn, and if Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire stay, they could help him realize the potential he brought from France.
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BRUNO FERNANDES
Though some may view him as a player who thrives against inferior sides, he remains vital to United’s attacking strategy.
However, Amorim needs his captain to engage more and not become invisible at times; when Fernandes shines, the rest of the team often follows suit.
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KOBBIE MAINOO
Mainoo has been out due to injury at the start of Amorim’s tenure, and with three losses in the four games since his return, the outlook isn’t favorable.
However, considering Mainoo is still working on his match fitness, he has the potential to make a mark in midfield and could form a strong partnership with Ugarte if given the chance.
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LEAVERS —
MARCUS RASHFORD
Rashford’s public expression of the wish to depart his childhood club might simplify Amorim’s task compared to if he were perceived as removing the England star.
However, it’s hard to envision the forward fitting smoothly into Amorim’s plans—even prior to the controversies of the last two weeks.
Unlike many other potential departures, selling Rashford makes financial sense, as his transfer fee could be accounted at full book value under the club’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.
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ANTONY
Many fans at the Stretford End saw the Brazilian’s limitations early after his summer 2022 arrival.
Now, nearly two and a half years on, the broader fanbase has caught on as well.
Winger Antony symbolizes the disappointment of Ten Hag’s strategy to recruit players from the Eredivisie with whom he had previous connections.
The £85.5 million spent on him has proven to be a significant letdown, and selling him, even at a considerable loss, is likely the only reasonable path forward.
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CASEMIRO
While the Brazilian’s transfer from Real Madrid appeared sensible at the time—and he indeed scored in the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle in 2023—United is now paying dearly for a midfielder struggling to keep up and who has succumbed to the impacts of aging.
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LISANDRO MARTINEZ
Another project from Ten Hag who seems to have been underperforming lately—making too many mistakes.
The Argentine defender, not known for his physical prowess, appears to be declining in his competitiveness.
He gives the impression of a player disengaged from his responsibilities.
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LUKE SHAW
It’s unfair to lay all the blame on the England left-back—still, his ongoing injury concerns hinder Amorim’s ability to rely on his consistency.
Shaw would have been a perfect candidate for the left wing-back position for the foreseeable future, had he been able to ensure his fitness. Sadly, that hasn’t been the case.
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LOTS TO PROVE —
MASON MOUNT
An additional player facing fitness challenges, with only nine Premier League starts in 18 months since his move from Chelsea, his situation speaks volumes.
When fit, Mount undoubtedly holds significant value, even as a substitute. Yet, the pressing question remains: how dependable is he for consistent fitness?
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RASMUS HOJLUND
United’s willingness to pay £64 million upfront for the Dane shows their belief in his potential, as he is likely to secure the first-choice No. 9 role.
However, Hojlund has yet to demonstrate that he is the natural goal-scorer that United envisioned when they signed him.
He remains a work in progress.
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ALEJANDRO GARNACHO
Following his benching during the 2-1 derby victory against City, Garnacho has come under fire amid the ongoing search for a leak within United, although he responded positively in training.
Nevertheless, a current tally of three league goals is rather disappointing, and last season’s Puskas Award for his stunning bicycle-kick against Everton holds little weight with the new manager.
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JOSHUA ZIRKZEE
There has been little indication thus far that the Dutch forward can secure a long-lasting future at Old Trafford.
However, it seems premature to write him off after just a few months at the club.
Zirkzee must demonstrate his nimbleness and potential—proving he can generate chances rather than merely waiting for them to come.
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NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI
His versatility and ability to play multiple defensive positions could serve the Moroccan well.
Nonetheless, he has yet to prove he is a regular member of the squad.
It’s challenging to envision him thriving as a wing-back unless absolutely needed, and does he possess the dependable defense required in a back three? The burden is on him to discover the answer.
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