Manchester United have agreed to place over half of the squad Ruben Amorim inherited from Erik ten Hag in the shop window as early as January, according to reports. But the Red Devils head coach is said to have named six players who he considers “unsellable” at the start of the latest long-term rebuild at Old Trafford.
Amorim will want to commence the reshaping of his ranks as early as possible into his reign as he works to instil a new philosophy.
United face severe restrictions this winter, though, imposed by the Premier League and UEFA’s financial regulations after splashing over £600million in less than three years for Ten Hag.
The M16 giants are skating on thin ice when it comes to Financial Fair Play, leaving player sales crucial to any hope of bolstering Amorim’s options.
United offloaded several first-team players in the summer – including Scott McTominay, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Mason Greenwood.
In return, Ten Hag added another five players worth around £200m, which left the squad almost entirely of the Dutchman’s making.
However, Amorim wants to rip it all up as early as the new year, and United are reportedly ready to support his desire.
According to Sky Germany, the Red Devils agree with the Portuguese tactician that over half of the squad should be put up for sale.
If suitable offers for certain players arrive, the club will listen to give Amorim the opportunity to stage a ruthless rebuild.
There is said to be an understanding that urgent sales are required. Yet, six players are considered out of the equation, as they fit in the 39-year-old’s plans.
The report adds that Andre Onana, Noussair Mazraoui, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Kobbie Mainoo and Amad are United’s unsellables.
It’s claimed that two or three other key players are also not up for grabs for potential suitors, with Amorim keen to retain a core of talent to build around.
United are currently considered unlikely to be active in January, and Amorim has remained coy about the club’s plans.
“We don’t think about that because we have so many games,” Amorim explained at the start of the month.
“It’s something to think about when the window opens, and you can do something. I don’t know. I’ll have to talk to them about that, with the board.
“But in this moment, the focus is trying to win some games and to put this team in a better position in all competitions, so we’ll have time to do that. But we’ll see what happens in January.”
