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Manchester United’s Squad Rebuild Intensifies as Rashford, Garnacho and Others Edged Out

Manchester United’s summer reset continues at pace, with a clear message sent to five high-profile squad members. Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia were all given delayed return dates for pre-season, reportedly to allow them time to secure moves away from Old Trafford.

The club’s stance is uncompromising. Ruben Amorim has begun shaping his team without them, and the exclusion reflects a broader effort to refresh the squad and reduce a bloated wage bill. “None of the five players in question currently have a future under coach Ruben Amorim,” as reported by The Athletic.

Rashford’s situation is the most symbolic. Stripped of the No 10 shirt, which has now been given to new signing Matheus Cunha, and granted permission to delay his return, it suggests a severing of ties with one of the club’s most marketable names. Yet, conflicting narratives have emerged. Club sources claim the players requested exits, but representatives for some players say they were happy to return on time.

Photo: IMAGO

Wages and Transfer Strategy Driving Decisions

Financial efficiency is clearly a priority. Rashford and Sancho are among United’s highest earners, so even temporary moves covering most of their wages could prove beneficial. “Permanent sales are preferred,” notes The Athletic, with the club aiming to generate funds for further signings.

Antony’s potential move to Real Betis is hampered by his £105,000 per week salary, while Sancho’s exit will also be complex due to wage demands. Garnacho, arguably the most valuable of the five, is attracting attention from Chelsea, with United likely to command a sizeable fee if a deal materialises.

Even if only two or three of the group depart, the space cleared will be crucial. Amorim’s tactical ideas favour dynamic, versatile players, and the incoming Matheus Cunha and linked Bryan Mbeumo fit that profile. United’s rejected £55 million plus £7.5 million add-ons offer for Mbeumo underlines the club’s willingness to invest — but only with exits first.

New Signings and Youth Recruitment

Paraguayan left wing-back Diego Leon has joined in a £2.9 million move, expected to start with the under-21s. Though not a headline-grabbing deal, it speaks to United’s strategy of targeting long-term development assets. He joins Patrick Dorgu and Harry Amass as emerging options on the left.

The forward line also remains under consideration. Moise Kean, who scored 19 Serie A goals last season, is of strong interest. “He averaged six shots on target per 100 touches — the highest ratio in Serie A,” as per The Athletic’s Conor O’Neill. His €52 million clause expires on July 15, and United’s interest is genuine.

Free agents Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Jamie Vardy and Callum Wilson have been offered as backup options should other deals fall through. Meanwhile, a new goalkeeper is on the radar, with Botafogo’s John being closely monitored.

Photo IMAGO

Exit Uncertainty Surrounding Hojlund and Others

While focus remains on the departing five, uncertainty lingers elsewhere. Rasmus Hojlund is not guaranteed to stay despite a proactive approach to pre-season, training alongside Harry Maguire in Portugal. Another goalkeeping addition could push Altay Bayindir closer to the exit.

United’s business this summer is being conducted with a blend of pragmatism and ruthless clarity. Amorim and the club hierarchy are executing a major reshaping of the squad. One way or another, the dressing room will look very different by the time the season starts.

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For United fans, this feels more like a reckoning than a rebuild. Stripping Rashford of the No 10 shirt — once worn by club legends — is symbolic of how far the club has drifted from clarity and continuity. For a homegrown talent and face of the team, this is a brutal fall.

There’s nervousness about where the goals will come from. Rashford, for all his inconsistency, was still one of United’s top scorers last season. Garnacho’s removal from Amorim’s plans also baffles some fans, especially given his youth and explosiveness.

And what happens if Mbeumo or Kean don’t come off? Are we really going into the season gambling on Cunha and fringe targets like Calvert-Lewin or Vardy? It feels reactive rather than visionary.

There’s logic in clearing the wage bill, but fans want transparency, not spin. If this is Amorim’s clean slate, fine — but the replacements must be upgrades. Otherwise, we risk losing talent without a plan, and another season of drift feels inevitable.