Manchester United’s newly appointed manager, Ruben Amorim, has made a bold statement ahead of the 2025/26 season by excluding six players from the club’s official pre-season tour squad. The decision signals the Portuguese tactician’s intent to reshape the squad and move forward with a new direction at Old Trafford.
Among those left out are high-profile names such as Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Antony, Tyrell Malacia, and Alejandro Garnacho—five players who are now widely expected to leave the club this summer. Only one exclusion, Harry Maguire, has been clarified as unrelated to transfer speculation, with reports attributing his absence to personal reasons.
The development was revealed by renowned football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who shared the details on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account.
“Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia all left OUT of Manchester United squad for pre-season tour,” Romano posted.
“Harry Maguire is also not with the team but only due to personal reasons, he will be back soon.
“Sancho, Garnacho, Antony and Malacia all up for sale.”
Amorim Begins His Reign with Big Decisions
Having taken over from Erik ten Hag following a turbulent 2024 campaign, Ruben Amorim has not wasted time in asserting his authority. His decision to omit key figures—some of whom were previously seen as the future of the club—has sparked intense discussion among fans and pundits alike.
The omission of Marcus Rashford, a player who has spent his entire career at Manchester United, is particularly striking. Once a local hero and one of England’s brightest prospects, Rashford endured a frustrating 2024 season plagued by inconsistency and questions surrounding his long-term fit in the squad. His absence from the preseason squad may now mark the beginning of the end of his time in Manchester.
Jadon Sancho, whose fallout with Ten Hag became a prolonged saga last season, is another big-name absentee. After being frozen out and training away from the first team for much of the 2024 calendar year, Sancho’s relationship with the club appears beyond repair, and Amorim seems to be paving the way for a clean exit.
South American Stars on the Chopping Block
Amorim’s rebuild could also bring a swift end to the Manchester United careers of Antony and Alejandro Garnacho, two South American wingers who arrived with considerable fanfare but have struggled to deliver consistently.
Antony, the Brazilian international signed for a hefty fee from Ajax in 2022, has been heavily criticized for his lack of end product and tactical discipline. While he showed flashes of brilliance in his early days, those moments have been far too sporadic to justify his high transfer fee.
Meanwhile, Alejandro Garnacho, the Argentine winger once heralded as a future star, has seen his development stall over the past year. Despite his promising pace and flair, Garnacho struggled with decision-making and defensive responsibilities, leading many to question whether he fits into Amorim’s tactical system moving forward.
Tyrell Malacia, the Dutch fullback who missed much of the last season due to injury, is also set for a summer exit as United reshuffle their defensive depth.
Harry Maguire’s Absence Not Transfer-Related
The one player whose omission from the squad is not tied to transfer activity is Harry Maguire, the former club captain. According to Fabrizio Romano, Maguire’s absence is due to personal reasons, and he is expected to rejoin the squad soon.
The centre-back had experienced a renaissance late last season and was even linked with reclaiming a starting spot under Ten Hag. His future under Amorim remains uncertain, but for now, fans can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that his absence is not part of a mass clear-out.
Summer Exodus on the Horizon?
With Manchester United making it clear that at least five of these players are surplus to requirements, the coming weeks are expected to be busy at Old Trafford. Club officials are reportedly listening to offers for Sancho, Antony, Garnacho, Malacia, and Rashford.
The potential exits could generate significant funds as Amorim looks to bring in new players to suit his pressing, dynamic style of play—hallmarks of his success at Sporting Lisbon.
There are already murmurs that the club is targeting reinforcements in midfield and on the wings, with younger, more tactically adaptable players at the top of Amorim’s wishlist. United’s preseason tour, which includes matches in the United States and Asia, is being viewed as a testing ground for several youth and fringe players aiming to break into the first team.
Fan Reactions Mixed
The response from fans has been mixed. Some supporters have praised Amorim for being decisive and cutting out underperformers early, while others have expressed concern at the sheer number of high-profile exits potentially on the cards.
“Bold moves by Amorim. We’ve needed a reset like this for years,” one fan posted on X.
Another added, “Letting Rashford and Garnacho go would be a huge mistake. Those are academy lads. Have we learned nothing?”
A New Era at Old Trafford
Ruben Amorim’s early actions suggest that Manchester United is preparing for a serious reset—one that prioritizes team balance, tactical discipline, and long-term development over star power and sentimentality.
With preseason already underway, the Portuguese manager is sending a clear message: no player is bigger than the club, and those who do not fit his vision will not be part of the journey ahead.
As the summer transfer window intensifies, all eyes will be on Old Trafford to see who comes in, who finally departs, and how Amorim’s version of Manchester United begins to take shape.
