Ruben Amorim’s Bold Overhaul: Who Will Stay, Who Will Depart Manchester United?
Manchester United is gearing up for what could be one of the most significant squad overhauls in recent years. According to renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano, the club is preparing to part ways with four high-profile first-team players as it charts a new course under manager Ruben Amorim. The names reportedly set to leave include Marcus Rashford, Rasmus Højlund, Jadon Sancho, and André Onana—each of whom has had varying degrees of influence at Old Trafford but is no longer considered part of the club’s long-term strategy.
The rationale behind these decisions is twofold: financial prudence and squad optimization. Manchester United is aiming to reduce its wage bill, potentially saving up to £1 million per week. This move will free up significant resources that can be reinvested in strategic transfer targets to strengthen the team across multiple areas. The departures of Rashford and Højlund alone are expected to generate substantial transfer fees, with Barcelona reportedly having a €30 million purchase option for Rashford and Napoli obligated to pay €44 million for Højlund if they qualify for the Champions League.
Jadon Sancho’s exit is also expected to be on the horizon, as he is slated to leave Old Trafford on a free transfer once his loan spell at Aston Villa concludes. Meanwhile, goalkeeper André Onana is currently on loan at Trabzonspor without a purchase option. Romano has confirmed that Onana is not in Manchester United’s future plans, emphasizing that the club is satisfied with the current goalkeeping alternatives and is exploring long-term solutions for the Cameroonian shot-stopper.
Amorim’s vision is not just about trimming the squad—it is about rebuilding it with precision. By offloading players who no longer fit the club’s tactical or financial blueprint, Manchester United will have the capacity to pursue critical reinforcements. Expected areas of investment include at least two central midfielders, a wing-back, a centre-back, and a forward. This strategy signals a proactive approach to constructing a more balanced, dynamic, and competitive team for the upcoming seasons.
This overhaul also reflects the broader ambition of Manchester United to reclaim its status at the pinnacle of English and European football. By carefully managing both departures and acquisitions, Amorim is laying the groundwork for a squad that is more cohesive, financially sustainable, and tactically versatile. Fans can expect a transformative summer transfer window as the club positions itself for renewed success under the new managerial regime.
In summary, the departures of Rashford, Højlund, Sancho, and Onana mark the beginning of a new chapter at Old Trafford. While it is always difficult to see talented players leave, the overarching goal is clear: to build a modern, competitive Manchester United capable of challenging at the highest levels both domestically and in Europe. Amorim’s bold moves demonstrate a commitment to long-term success, signaling a fresh era for the Red Devils.