Uncompromising Ruben Amorim has issued a warning that any players from Manchester United who he believes are ‘hindering the team’ will be removed this summer.
At 40 years old, Amorim has struggled to establish a successful strategy in his initial three months at Old Trafford, and club executives are willing to part with any player in their squad due to mounting financial worries. The former Sporting Lisbon manager let go of Marcus Rashford, Antony, and Tyrell Malacia in January, all of whom were sent out on loan with options for permanent transfers.
However, a larger number of players are expected to depart in July and August, as Amorim has given his strongest indication yet of an impending summer cleanout at Old Trafford. “I don’t enjoy being ruthless just to display my authority,” the Portuguese stated.
“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.”
Amorim went to on admit that some players already know that they’ll be leaving when the summer transfer window opens. “Everybody understands that in football sometimes you stay, sometimes you have to move on,” he continued.
“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. In the beginning maybe it is hard but they will understand. I’m quite honest with my players and sometimes they know they have to move on at the end of the season.
“We can talk about that in the end – now there are still a lot of games to play. But that is clear and not a difficult situation.”
Any players from United looking to make an impression under Amorim will likely have a chance before the season wraps up. The Red Devils are still competing in both the FA Cup and Europa League, but the coming days will be critical for their hopes of winning trophies.
United will face Fulham on Sunday as they aim to secure a spot in the FA Cup quarter-finals, while on Thursday Amorim and his team will head to Spain to take on Real Sociedad in the Europa League round of 16. Next weekend, United will shift their focus back to the Premier League when they welcome Arsenal.