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Ruben Amorim left frustrated as Manchester United fail to move on unhappiest quartet before pre-season

Originally posted on HITC | By Dale O'Donnell | Last updated Jul 5, 2025 8:17 AM ET

There’s a sense of optimism that Manchester United will be stronger next season. Finishing eighth and missing out on Champions League football again was a frustrating blow — one Erik ten Hag is under pressure to quickly turn around.

His first season in charge ended with more questions than answers — and an over-reliance on Rasmus Hojlund, who managed just 10 goals, highlighted the need for change. Even if some of those goals, like his strike against Man City, were memorable.

Matheus Cunha, recruited for his presence as much as his 17 Premier League goals, has already arrived from Wolves. United are now pushing for Bryan Mbeumo, who scored 20 last season for Brentford. Amorim is clearly targeting proven top-flight scorers.

But there’s a growing concern behind the scenes about the club’s ability to shift players who are out of favour — something Amorim reportedly wanted sorted before pre-season got underway.

Ruben Amorim wanted unhappy quartet sold before pre-season

Pre-season preparations are about to begin, and Ruben Amorim is still waiting for clear-outs that haven’t happened yet.

The first-team squad meets on Monday for the first time since last season, hoping for a clean slate.

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Getting transfer business in order early was important for Amorim. United open their Premier League season against Arsenal on Sunday, 17 August, and he needs a settled group by then.

According to a report from The Athletic, Amorim had been hoping Antony, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho would all be sold before the squad reported back.

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That seems to have played a role in the manager reportedly telling five players to stay away for now — a move he views as a way to turn the page on two turbulent seasons.

It would help financially, removing several large contracts from the books. But it was also a matter of authority: Amorim wanted those situations resolved before training restarted. So far, that hasn’t happened.

Potential exit routes for Rashford, Sancho, Garnacho & Antony

Rashford spent the back half of last season on loan at Aston Villa and is now dreaming of a move to Barcelona. His representatives are already working to find him a club abroad. Matheus Cunha’s arrival means Rashford’s time at the club is coming to an end.

Sancho, meanwhile, is in talks with Juventus, and Chelsea are seemingly interested in Garnacho too.

Meanwhile, there are suggestions that Real Betis believe United will eventually sell Antony, who has failed to make an impression under Amorim.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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