Manchester United’s turbulent summer took another dramatic turn as reports emerged that new managerial target Rúben Amorim insisted on a ruthless clear-out involving four high-profile attackers — Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, and Antony — to be completed before 7th July.
The Sporting CP boss, who has been strongly linked with the Old Trafford job in the event of a managerial shake-up, reportedly made his position clear to the United hierarchy in recent discussions. Amorim, known for his tactical discipline and demand for a cohesive team ethos, is said to have seen these departures as vital for resetting the dressing room culture and clearing wage space for fresh recruits aligned with his philosophy.
A Shock for United’s Fanbase
The news, if true, is nothing short of seismic. Marcus Rashford, a local hero and academy product, has long been the face of United’s identity. Despite enduring a disappointing 2024/25 campaign, few imagined he could be shown the door so abruptly. Rashford’s form and commitment have come under scrutiny, but his potential remains unquestioned — making Amorim’s stance a signal that sentiment would not stand in the way of a hard reset.
Jadon Sancho’s inclusion on the list is less surprising. His relationship with the club has been strained since his public fallout with Erik ten Hag, which saw him training away from the first team for months. A loan back to Borussia Dortmund partially revived his stock, but Amorim evidently does not see the England winger fitting into his disciplined attacking structure.
Antony, meanwhile, has struggled to justify his hefty price tag since reuniting with Ten Hag at United. Despite flashes of brilliance, his inconsistency, poor decision-making in the final third, and lack of end product have drawn widespread criticism. Amorim, whose system demands versatility and relentless off-the-ball work, appears unwilling to persevere with the underperforming Brazilian.
The Garnacho Shock Factor
Perhaps the most surprising name on the list is Alejandro Garnacho. The Argentine starlet has been one of United’s few bright spots during difficult seasons, winning fans over with his fearless style and moments of match-winning brilliance. At just 20, he is widely regarded as a cornerstone for the club’s future — but Amorim, it seems, sees an opportunity to cash in at peak value and reinvest in profiles more suited to his system.
Why the 7th July Deadline?
Amorim’s reported insistence on a 7th July deadline underlines how urgent he sees this rebuild. The date coincides with the start of United’s pre-season tour and the opening phase of player assessments. By trimming the squad early, Amorim would avoid a drawn-out saga of wantaway or surplus players lingering around Carrington, ensuring maximum focus on integrating new signings and implementing his tactical blueprint.
INEOS Era and Ruthless Decisions
For Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS-led sporting project, this would be the first real test of how far they’re willing to back a manager’s vision over sentiment and commercial considerations. Rashford, Garnacho, and even Sancho have enormous brand value, but Amorim appears to value tactical fit and discipline far more than marquee status.
Whether United would truly sanction this quadruple exit is another matter. Garnacho, in particular, would command a huge fee but selling him could risk a backlash from fans desperate for homegrown stars with genuine flair. Rashford’s departure would be equally polarizing, although his recent form makes a big-money exit plausible if the right buyer emerges.
What Next?
If Amorim does take the reins at Old Trafford, it’s clear he won’t shy away from unpopular decisions. Such a dramatic cull would radically reshape United’s frontline and free up funds for dynamic, tactically flexible players who can deliver the pressing and structured play that has defined Amorim’s success in Portugal.
For United supporters, the coming weeks could reveal whether the club truly has the stomach to break with the past — or whether the weight of commercial interests and sentimentality will once again derail bold plans for a new era. Either way, the message is clear: if Rúben Amorim arriv
es, no one is untouchable.
