Ruben Amorim has not been afraid to show his ruthless side during his time in charge of Manchester United. The former Sporting boss continues to assert authority over a group of players who have been accused of having too much power over the years. He endured a nightmare first season in charge of the Red Devils but things are finally starting to look better.
United are within touching distance of the Premier League’s top five and will be hoping to secure a Champions League spot at the end of the campaign. A number of players, including the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, have played a crucial role in this season’s improvement. However, there are some at the other end of the scale who may have already played their last game for the Red Devils.
Express Sport looks at six players who may never kick a ball in a United shirt again…
Marcus Rashford
The most obvious one is Marcus Rashford, who has no intention of going back to United following his public rift with Ruben Amorim and subsequent loan move to Barcelona.
He reportedly wants to stay at the Nou Camp and there is a purchase clause included in his temporary deal. It remains to be seen if Barcelona will activate it but even if they choose not to, there is little chance of Rashford playing for his parent club again.
Jadon Sancho
United have had far too many expensive flops over the years but Jadon Sancho might just be the worst of the lot. He continues to pick up a huge weekly wage despite played for the Red Devils since his last appearance 15 months ago.
He failed to impress during a loan spell at Chelsea and has fared little better since joining Aston Villa on a temporary basis. If he ever manages to revive his faltering career, it certainly won’t be at United.
Andre Onana
It seemed like United were getting one of Europe’s finest goalkeepers when they signed Andre Onana in the summer of 2023. However, the move turned out to be a nightmare and there is no longer a place for the Cameroon international at Old Trafford.
Senne Lammens has made the goalkeeping position his own, with Altay Bayindir having emerged as the back-up option. It leaves Onana, who is currently on loan in Turkey, surplus to requirements at his parent club.
Tyrell Malacia
As the only member of the so-called ‘bomb squad’ who failed to get a summer move away, Tyrell Malacia remains at United but has not played a single minute in the Premier League this season.
His only chance of a game this season will be in the FA Cup third round match at home to Brighton and Hove Albion. Even that seems unlikely, though. A clean break is required for all parties involved.
Toby Collyer
A graduate of United’s academy system, Toby Collyer was in and around the first team before he was loaned to West Bromwich Albion at the start of the season.
Unfortunately, it hasn’t been a productive loan spell and he is currently sidelined with an injury. Unless he dramatically improves when he returns to fitness, it seems like a permanent move away from United might only be a matter of time.
Tom Heaton
Tom Heaton continues to serve a purpose in the United dressing room, with his wealth of experience proving useful when it comes to helping the club’s younger goalkeepers on the training ground.
Crucially, he is also English, which means he contributes to the Red Devils’ contingent of homegrown players. However, his best days are well behind him and it’s unlikely he will ever play for United again unless they are hit with a grave injury crisis.