Manchester United have identified five players who could leave in the January transfer window, as Rúben Amorim wants to build a squad matching his philosophy rather than being forced to make existing players fit in. According to reports, the manager has already communicated to the higher-ups that come January, it is time to build a squad that can work wonders with his Lisbon-tested tactics, instead of diluting them to accommodate profiles including some of the senior stars.
While midfielders like Angelo Stiller, Adam Wharton, and Elliot Anderson stand a realistic chance of reaching Old Trafford, Amorim has also readied a 'For Sale' list comprising five players. Young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who is reportedly hell-bent on an exit, is not on this specific list, meaning the final number of outgoings could increase further.
Manchester United offloading players unfit for Amorim
Joshua Zirkzee Striker Joshua Zirkzee, who was initially preferred over Rasmus Højlund by Amorim, could be the first victim of the squad overhaul, a report said. He has been sidelined following the arrival of Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Šeško, and Bryan Mbeumo, and Amorim may go after a more traditional "penalty-box" striker, CaughtOffside said in a report. Juventus and AC Milan are monitoring the situation, and United are likely to sell Zirkzee in the hunt for a player who poses a more direct goal threat, the report added.
Tyrell Malacia Zirkzee's international teammate Tyrell Malacia is also unlikely to have a future at United, as he is considered a misfit by the Portuguese gaffer. Malacia's arrival was celebrated by Red Devils fans, but fitness issues have restricted him from delivering to his potential. Amorim prefers full-backs who can run up and down for the entirety of the match and possess an intimidating physical presence. The 5'6" left-back fits neither of these criteria, and Amorim thus finds him a surplus requirement.
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Manuel Ugarte Manuel Ugarte could also leave Manchester United if good offers arrive, as Amorim is not interested in a defensive midfielder (CDM) who tries to develop the game solely by disrupting the opposition's rhythm. While United signed Ugarte in 2024 from PSG, the CDM has struggled to adapt, and Galatasaray are now the frontrunners to sign the youngster, who cost the Red Devils £50.7m. The manager wants a midfielder who can dictate tempo and progress the ball under pressure—both areas not considered strengths of the Uruguayan, CaughtOffside said in a report.
Altay Bayındır Goalkeeper Altay Bayındır, who failed to live up to the expectations of the club following the exit of André Onana, could also be sold before his market value falls further. Senne Lammens has had an immediate impact, and the Turkish shot-stopper is expected to be limited to cup games unless he leaves.
Mason Mount While Mason Mount is getting chances, Amorim does not see him as a natural fit for any of the positions in his system. Injuries and tactical misalignment have prevented the Chelsea academy graduate from hitting "beast mode" for United. With more central midfielders likely to arrive at Old Trafford in the coming transfer windows, it is almost certain that Mount will be offloaded, the report said.
Manchester United are currently sixth in the Premier League, gradually finding rhythm after a string of disastrous performances. "We are not winning games sometimes in the details. It's not because it's a back four, back three, or back five. It's the details that we need to work on, understand the momentum of the game, and we need to be clinical," Amorim said about last week's 4-4 draw against Bournemouth.
