Report: Five players could be set to leave Man United in January | OneFootball

Amorim signals early intent at Old Trafford

The Ruben Amorim era at Manchester United is beginning with a clear sense of purpose, and according to Caught Offside, January could mark a decisive shift in squad direction. Sources close to the agents industry have informed CaughtOffside that United are preparing for what insiders describe as a significant winter “clear-out”, as Amorim looks to impose a tactical identity without compromise.

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This is not about short term appeasement. The Portuguese coach “intends to build a squad tailored specifically to his tactical vision, rather than compromise his principles to accommodate inherited profiles”, a stance that inevitably places several established names under scrutiny.

Midfield reshaping under Amorim vision

Perhaps the most eye catching inclusion is Manuel Ugarte. The Uruguayan has “struggled to adapt to Amorim’s demands for a midfielder who can dictate tempo and progress the ball under pressure”. Sources indicate Amorim is seeking a more refined “regista” type profile, rather than a purely defensive disruptor. If the right offer arrives, United are prepared to sanction a swift exit, a ruthless call given the investment involved.

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Mason Mount’s situation is described as more complex. Despite significant backing, “injuries and tactical misalignment have prevented him from finding rhythm”. Amorim reportedly “does not see him as a natural fit for either the attacking number eight role or the inverted wide positions in his system”, leaving his future uncertain rather than resolved.

Defensive depth and goalkeeper decisions

At left back, Tyrell Malacia is viewed as surplus to requirements. Amorim is understood to want “a physically dominant, high endurance wing back capable of sustaining repeated sprints throughout 90 minutes”, a profile Malacia is not believed to fully match. This speaks to the physical demands Amorim places on his wide players.

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Goalkeeper Altay Bayındır is another name likely to move. Having featured mainly in domestic cup competitions, United are keen to avoid further stagnation that “could damage his market value”, a pragmatic rather than punitive assessment.

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Forward line clarity emerging

Joshua Zirkzee completes the list. Amorim “prefers a more ruthless, penalty box striker”, and with Juventus and AC Milan monitoring the situation, United may look to reinvest should a suitable bid arrive. As January approaches, it is increasingly clear that this rebuild will be bold, uncompromising, and potentially ruthless.

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Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Manchester United supporters have grown weary of half measures and constant tactical compromise. Amorim drawing firm lines early suggests a coach confident in his ideas and backed to enforce them.

Ugarte’s inclusion will divide opinion. Some will argue he has been misused rather than miscast, while others see this as a necessary correction. The same applies to Mount, whose time at Old Trafford has felt disjointed from the outset. Sentiment has not won United titles in recent years, clarity might.

There is also realism among supporters. January clear outs are rarely clean or perfect. Selling well, reinvesting wisely, and avoiding panic replacements will matter more than volume. What excites fans is the coherence, a manager defining roles, physical profiles, and tactical demands with precision.

If this list proves accurate, United supporters will hope it marks the start of alignment between recruitment and coaching. For a fanbase starved of direction, Amorim’s decisiveness feels like progress, even if it comes with short term discomfort.