Ruben Amorim has issued a stark warning to his Manchester United squad, stating that any player he deems to be 'harming the team' will be sold in the summer transfer window. The Portuguese manager, who took over at Old Trafford three months ago, has struggled to find a winning formula and club chiefs are reportedly open to selling every member of the squad amid financial concerns.
Amorim has already sanctioned the departures of Marcus Rashford, Antony and Tyrell Malacia in January, all of whom left on loan with options to make their moves permanent. However, the 40-year-old has now hinted at a far larger clear-out in July and August. 'I don't like to be like that just to show strength,' Amorim explained. 'If the team is trying, and I understand that they are trying but they cannot do it, I am not ruthless. But when I feel that it is something which is going to harm the team, then I am quite ruthless.'
The former Sporting Lisbon boss admitted that some players already know they will be leaving when the summer window opens. 'Everybody understands that in football sometimes you stay, sometimes you have to move on,' he said. 'If I know how to explain it, I will do so because I like to be clear. I was a player and like to use that experience - when you are honest with someone, they can take it.'
Amorim stressed that he is honest with his players and that some are aware they must move on at the end of the season. However, he added that there are still many games to play before then, and players hoping to stake their claim will be given opportunities. Manchester United remain in the FA Cup and Europa League, with crucial matches against Fulham and Real Sociedad in the coming days.
