Softfootball understands that Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has made it clear that players like Jadon Sancho, Antony, and Alejandro Garnacho are unlikely to feature in his plans unless the club fails to secure suitable offers for them this summer.
Speaking in his first press conference of the new season held in Chicago ahead of United’s Premier League Summer Series opener against West Ham, Amorim was asked about several first-team names left out of the club’s pre-season tour, particularly Jadon Sancho, Antony, and Alejandro Garnacho.
As quoted by Manchester United’s official website, Ruben Amorim explained the situation with players looking for a new club and revealed that Manchester United have a valuation for everyone, and should their valuation not be met, the players won’t be sold and instead will be reintegrated into the team.
His response was measured but firm, as he stated:
“Well, I think that is not the case [that their value could decrease] because there are different reasons for the players.
“Some players have to find a new place to have more space in the team and others clearly show they want a new challenge and want new teams.
“We are just allowing these players to have time to think and to decide. If we reach a point where they have to join the team, they will join the team because they are our players.
“I know for a fact that these people, Omar [Berrada] and Jason [Wilcox] and the club have a number for these players. If they don’t reach that, they will be Manchester United players, no doubt about that.
“I understand clubs are maybe waiting for the last minute, but they can have a surprise and I’m ready. I’m ready to receive the players.
“They have more competition – if you want to play in the World Cup this year, you need to play, so I’m really happy with that because I have more options. If they have to fight each other to play, for me it is perfect.”
He also touched on topics around Bruno Fernandes position, Kobbie Mainoo, Luke Shaw and the importance of team bonding, among others. sensitive discussion, read the full interview below:
Calling Shaw World Class;
“I think Luke Shaw is a world-class player. That is my feeling – when he touches the ball, the ability to play one against one. England had two finals and he’s always there – that means something.
“He needs to be fit, he needs to train always within the limit. He’s doing that in the moment and he’s a great player but he has competition this season.”
Speaking about Team Bonding;
“The best teams in the world, you feel the bond between players and feel it’s important. We need to remind ourselves how special it is to be Manchester United. I really like that feeling, to be in a group that is healthy.
“We are going to suffer, we have problems but that feeling of bonding from everybody – staff, players – is really important. I think it can help us to win games where we’re not performing so well.”
Throwing more light about Bruno’s Position;
“He can be [in deeper midfield]. We can change in game but I think sometimes we miss Bruno when he’s playing as a no.10. I think it’s a good position for him.
“I really like when Bruno has the ball and if you have the threat of Bryan, Rasmus, Matheus in the space, if you have a player with the quality of Bruno without pressure on the ball, it gives us quality.”
Adding on Mainoo’s potential;
“I think he can play in both positions in the midfield. Last year, he played more in front. I think his perfect position is more near the ball, always with the ball.
“I think he’s a big talent and you guys know that better than me, that he is a big talent. I think he needs to increase the rhythm, the pace.
“I’m always on top of that with Kobbie because he’s so good sometimes, but he can be better. So I have big plans but, like I said, it’s one game per week and the competition is going to be huge.
“Everybody has to be prepared to play one game or play all the games. That is the key point in our season.”
Manchester United are not done in the transfer window, as they are actively exploring opportunities to add quality, but things have not been straightforward, as recent reports claimed that Aston Villa has slammed the door shut on the Red Devil’s interest in Argentine goalie Emiliano Martinez.
However As United prepare to face West Ham in New Jersey this weekend, it’s clear that Amorim isn’t just focused on results he’s laying down the cultural foundations for a new era at Old Trafford.
And whether Sancho, Antony, or Garnacho are part of that journey may ultimately depend not on talent but on transfer bids.
