EPL: Amorim Told To Sell Every Man United Player This Summer After Shaw’s Comment
Manchester United’s 2024/25 season ended in disappointment, and with it came a wave of frustration from fans, pundits, and now, even within the dressing room itself. Amid ongoing speculation that Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim is being lined up to take over at Old Trafford, a fresh controversy has erupted — one that could redefine the trajectory of United’s summer.
A seemingly innocuous post-match comment by Luke Shaw has lit a fire under a fan base already on edge. The defender, speaking candidly after United’s Europa League exit, said: “There are things going on that people don’t see — mentality, desire, consistency. Some of us need to look in the mirror.” While Shaw did not name names, his remarks have been widely interpreted as a thinly veiled criticism of several teammates. And that has prompted a louder-than-ever chorus of voices — including from respected pundits and ex-players — calling for a total squad overhaul.
Now, the message being directed at Ruben Amorim, should he take the job, is crystal clear: sell every player. Start from scratch.
Shaw’s Comments: A Spark in the Powder Keg
Luke Shaw, a senior figure and one of the longest-serving players at United, is not known for stirring controversy. His comments weren’t explosive on the surface, but in the context of another lacklustre campaign, they carried weight.
Fans and analysts alike have interpreted Shaw’s remarks as a damning indictment of the dressing room culture. His use of words like “mentality” and “desire” suggested deeper-rooted issues than mere tactical confusion or injury woes. They implied a fractured squad, one lacking unity, accountability, and professionalism — traits that have plagued United for years now.
When a player of Shaw’s stature begins to speak publicly about internal problems, it’s often a sign that things behind the scenes are more broken than they appear. His words have now become a rallying cry for change.
Amorim’s Potential Arrival: A Symbol of Reset
Ruben Amorim has not officially been appointed as Manchester United manager, but all signs point toward his being at or near the top of INEOS’s shortlist. At just 39, the Sporting Lisbon coach represents a modern breed of tactician — focused on youth development, positional play, and a high-pressing identity.
He has achieved domestic success in Portugal and gained international acclaim for developing players like Pedro Gonçalves, Gonçalo Inácio, and Nuno Mendes. Most importantly, he’s viewed as a “project manager” — someone capable of rebuilding a club over time, not just buying big names.
And that’s precisely what United need.
But if Amorim does arrive, the message from fans and pundits alike is clear: don’t tinker, tear it all down.
“Sell Everyone”: Is It Hyperbole or a Realistic Strategy?
While the idea of selling every Manchester United player may sound extreme, it’s not without precedent in football — or justification in this case. United’s bloated squad is full of underperforming stars on massive wages. Many were signed under different managers with conflicting philosophies, creating a mismatched group of players ill-suited for any one system.
Let’s break down the arguments for — and against — a mass squad overhaul:
In Favor of Selling Everyone:
1. Culture Reset: Shaw’s comments echo the same concerns voiced by former players like Roy Keane, Gary Neville, and Rio Ferdinand — that the club has become soft and entitled. A clean sweep would allow Amorim to rebuild a squad with hunger and character.
2. Free Up Wages: United have one of the highest wage bills in Europe, with several players underperforming relative to their salary. Offloading these players would give Amorim financial breathing room to bring in fresh, motivated talent.
3. Tactical Cohesion: Amorim thrives with technically versatile, hardworking players. The current squad includes multiple stars who do not fit that mold — particularly in midfield and defense.
4. Fan Support: After years of stagnation, fans are ready for radical change. The discontent is palpable, and a bold reset could galvanize the support base.
Against Selling Everyone:
1. Logistical Impossibility: Selling an entire squad and bringing in replacements in one summer is unrealistic. Contracts, transfer fees, and market demand would all make such a plan infeasible.
2. Loss of Experience: Players like Bruno Fernandes, Raphael Varane (if he stays), and even Shaw himself bring experience and leadership — elements that a young, rebuilt squad would desperately need.
3. Homegrown Rules and FFP: The Premier League’s squad regulations and Financial Fair Play constraints mean that a massive clear-out must be carefully managed.
4. Youth Development Takes Time: Amorim would need at least two or three transfer windows to mold a squad in his image. Unrealistic expectations of instant success would be unfair and counterproductive.
Who Might Actually Be Let Go?
Even if the “sell everyone” sentiment is more emotional than practical, several players are already believed to be on the chopping block. Here are a few names likely to be under review:
Harry Maguire: Improved performances this season may not be enough to retain him, especially under a new system.
Scott McTominay: Valuable, but potentially expendable if Amorim wants more technically skilled midfielders.
Jadon Sancho: Still out of the picture under Ten Hag, his relationship with the club seems fractured beyond repair.
Anthony Martial: Injuries and inconsistency have defined his tenure. A free transfer or release is likely.
Casemiro: Ageing, declining in physicality, and on high wages — he may be moved on for a younger profile.
Antony: One of the most criticized signings in recent memory, his future could hinge on the next manager’s plans.
Even stalwarts like Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, and Shaw himself could face scrutiny. Amorim will likely evaluate everyone based on fit, attitude, and tactical flexibility — not legacy or name recognition.
A Test of INEOS’s Resolve
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the INEOS team have spoken extensively about restoring United’s standards. They’ve already begun restructuring the club off the pitch, but the next step — deciding who wears the shirt — will define their era.
If Amorim is chosen, he must be backed. Whether that means sanctioning a squad overhaul or giving him control over key decisions, the new regime must avoid repeating past mistakes of half-measures and mixed messages.
Conclusion: Shaw’s Words Are a Warning
Luke Shaw’s post-match comments may have sounded subtle, but they were a siren for change. They confirmed what many suspected: Manchester United’s problems go beyond tactics and managers. They are cultural, systemic, and deeply rooted in a squad that has lost its way.
If Ruben Amorim is to be the man to fix it, he must be empowered to make the bold decisions fans are crying out for — even if that means selling club legends and rebuilding from the ground up.
The time for sentiment is over. As one fan put it online: “Shaw finally said what we’ve all been thinking. Clear the decks. Start fresh. United nee
ds warriors, not passengers.”
And if Amorim does arrive, he’ll be expected to do just that.
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