It is a badly kept secret that Manchester United have been looking to sell five players this summer: Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Antony, Alejandro Garnacho and Tyrell Malacia, the so-called “Bomb squad”.
While Rashford has already been loaned out to Barcelona, the others have been effectively frozen out of Amorim’s plans. None of the quartet were included in the squad for the tour of the US and they have even been banned from training at Carrington when Amorim and his main group are present.
In a Q&A conducted with the press during the tour (via The Telegraph), Amorim was asked about the situation with the bomb squad.
“There are players that clearly show that they don’t want to be here and that is normal,” Amorim said. “They are not bad and I’m good. I’m not the bad [one] and they are good. It’s a simple situation that they want new challenges.”
The new culture at United
Amorim’s comments speak to a shift toward a culture at United that favours unity over reputation. The head coach emphasised that while he respects those seeking moves elsewhere, his focus is solely on those who want to remain and fight for the shirt.
“I’m just working with the players that I think are going to stay,” he said. “The other guys are trying to find a solution for their careers.”
On Garnacho
One of the most high-profile absentees is Garnacho. Despite his obvious talent, the Argentine winger has clashed with the boss on numerous occasions. Tensions came to a head after the Europa League final loss, when Amorim reportedly told Garnacho in front of the squad to “pray” he finds a new club.
“I think Garnacho, you can understand and you can see, he’s a really talented boy,” Amorim said. “And sometimes things don’t work out. You cannot explain specifically what it is. But I have the feeling, I think it’s clear that Garnacho wants a different thing with a different leadership.”
Chelsea are said to be circling for Garnacho, while Sancho is attracting interest from Juventus and Borussia Dortmund – potentially offering the winger a return to familiar ground.
Despite the hard stance, Amorim was keen to maintain a respectful attitude, saying he understands that not every player fits every system or leadership style.
“Sometimes you adapt to one guy, you have the connection,” he said. “Other times, you want a new challenge. So, we try to make everything okay to all the parts – to the club, to the coach and to the players.”
Amorim also stressed that the players who had chosen to stay at the club would be expected to give 100% in training and that those that didn’t would be shamed in front of the team. He also said he has appointed a “leadership group” of six players to enforce his standards.
Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images
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Red Billy
Red Billy is the managing editor of The Peoples Person, author of three books and totally obsessed with football’s transfer market. Billy still insists Matteo Darmian and Alex Telles could have made it at United given half a chance.
