Rúben Amorim Sends Clear Message: Manchester United Won’t Sell Players Cheap, Exiles Could Return to Squad
Rúben Amorim has made his stance crystal clear—Manchester United will not be bullied into cut-price sales. In a bold and defiant message, the Portuguese tactician, now firmly in charge of a Red Devils squad under reconstruction, has insisted that players deemed surplus to requirements will not be allowed to leave unless suitors match the club’s financial expectations.
Speaking to the press amid the club’s pre-season preparations, Amorim addressed the situation surrounding four notable absentees: Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Antony, and Tyrell Malacia. All four were conspicuously excluded from United’s travelling squad to the United States, a decision which has sparked intense speculation about their futures at Old Trafford.
Yet, Amorim’s tone was anything but uncertain. The manager emphasized that these players are still contracted to Manchester United, and unless appropriate bids are tabled, they will remain just that—Manchester United players.
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Holding Firm on Valuations
Amorim, who took over with a clear mandate to bring discipline, structure, and long-term identity to the club, has wasted no time in aligning with the club’s new leadership, particularly sporting director Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada.
“I know for a fact Jason, Omar, and the club have a number for these players,” said Amorim in a firm and confident tone. “If they (interested clubs) don’t reach that, they will be Manchester United players, no doubt about that.”
This statement is not only a reflection of Amorim’s authority but a significant marker of Manchester United’s evolving transfer strategy. The days of reactive deals, panic sales, and player power dictating exits may be coming to an end. Under Amorim and the new executive structure, discipline and valuation control seem to be the order of the day.
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No Fire Sale at Old Trafford
The message is simple: there will be no fire sale. In recent years, United have been accused of holding onto high-earning, underperforming players or offloading talent for far less than their market value. The new regime appears determined not to repeat those mistakes.
The four exiled players currently training away from the first team at Carrington each have a unique story:
Alejandro Garnacho, once considered the jewel of United’s attacking youth, has been the subject of reported interest from Real Madrid and clubs in Serie A. But at just 20 years old, United see immense value in his profile—even if his relationship with the coaching staff may be strained.
Jadon Sancho, whose public fallout with former boss Erik ten Hag led to a loan spell at Borussia Dortmund, is back in limbo. The German club would like to bring him back permanently, but at a fee reportedly far below United’s asking price of £40 million.
Antony, the £85 million Brazilian winger signed under Ten Hag, has failed to live up to expectations and now finds himself without a clear future. While United may be open to cutting their losses, they are unwilling to accept massive depreciation.
Tyrell Malacia, sidelined by injuries and lacking game time, is another player deemed expendable—but still valued as a capable squad option if no suitable bids are received.
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A Warning to Interested Clubs
Amorim also took a subtle jab at clubs playing the waiting game. “I understand the clubs are waiting for the last minute but they can have a surprise,” he warned.
This appears to be a direct response to a common tactic in the transfer market, where buying clubs delay negotiations in hopes of forcing sellers to lower their demands. Amorim, however, is signaling that United will not blink.
This move sends a strong signal to clubs like Borussia Dortmund, Juventus, Napoli, and others who are reportedly circling around the aforementioned quartet. If they want United’s players, they’ll need to come with the right offers—and do so before the window slams shut.
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Amorim’s Managerial Backbone
Amorim’s approach here demonstrates exactly why he was hired. United have long lacked a strong, principled figure at the managerial helm—someone willing to make tough decisions and stand by them without compromising the club’s dignity or future.
“If we reach a point where they have to join the team, they will join the team because they are our players,” Amorim said, hinting at the possibility that he is prepared to reintegrate them into the squad if necessary.
This is a particularly interesting development. In contrast to Ten Hag’s rigid stance—especially with Sancho—Amorim seems to be more pragmatic. While he’s fine with isolating players for the time being, he is not closing the door entirely.
This could prove crucial if potential deals collapse or if injuries and squad depth become pressing concerns as the season progresses.
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The Broader Vision Under Wilcox and Berrada
Behind Amorim stands a new-look Manchester United hierarchy aiming to reshape the club from top to bottom. Jason Wilcox, formerly of Southampton and Manchester City, is known for his focus on youth development and structured team-building. Omar Berrada, lured from Manchester City, brings years of experience in high-level football administration.
Together, with Amorim as head coach, they’re pushing forward a long-overdue culture shift. The club is no longer desperate to move players at a loss just to get them off the books. Every negotiation must now reflect both financial reality and strategic vision.
The club has reportedly set firm price tags for each of the four players, and will stick to those valuations even if it means welcoming unwanted players back into the fold.
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What Happens Next?
With the transfer window entering its final month, the spotlight will remain firmly on these four players. A few potential scenarios could unfold:
1. Clubs Meet United’s Asking Prices – Garnacho could spark a bidding war; Sancho may attract Premier League or Bundesliga interest; Antony might draw inquiries from Saudi Arabia or Brazil; and Malacia could be a low-cost target for Ligue 1 or Eredivisie clubs.
2. Stalemates Persist – In that case, Amorim will need to make a decision: either integrate the players into his tactical plans or keep them on the periphery until January.
3. Loans With Obligations to Buy – United may agree to structured deals that guarantee future payment, similar to how other big clubs move on fringe players.
Whatever happens, the key takeaway is that Manchester United are no longer operating from a position of weakness. Amorim’s comments represent a new direction—disciplined, strategic, and uncompromising.
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Conclusion
Rúben Amorim has drawn a line in the sand. In doing so, he has sent a powerful message—not just to the players involved, but to the football world: Manchester United will not be taken advantage of.
As Garnacho, Sancho, Antony, and Malacia wait to discover their fates, one thing is certain—they’ll either leave on Manchester United’s terms or prepare to fight for their place under Amorim’s new regime.
The message is loud and clear: pay the price, or face the consequences.
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