Ruben Amorim was not afraid to show his ruthless side during his time as Manchester United manager. The former Sporting manager continues to assert his authority over a group of players who have long been accused of being too powerful. He had a nightmare first season in charge of the Red Devils, but things are finally starting to look up.
United are within reach of a top-five finish in the Premier League and hope to qualify for the Champions League at the end of the season. A number of players played important roles in this season’s development, including Bruno Fernandes, Brian Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha. But at the other end of the scale, there are those who may have already played their final game for the Red Devils.
Express Sport looks at six players who may never be able to kick a ball in a United shirt again…
marcus rashford
The most obvious one is Marcus Rashford. He has no intention of returning to United following his public falling out with Ruben Amorim and subsequent loan move to Barcelona.
The player reportedly wants to remain at the Camp Nou and his provisional contract includes a buyout clause. It remains to be seen whether Barcelona will trigger it, but even if they choose not to, it is highly unlikely that Rashford will play for his parent club again.
jadon sancho
United have made too many costly mistakes over the last few years, but Jadon Sancho may be the worst of them all. Despite playing for the Red Devils since his last appearance 15 months ago, he continues to receive a large weekly wage.
He failed to make an impression during his loan spell at Chelsea and has gradually improved since joining Aston Villa briefly. If he were to revive his flagging career, it certainly wouldn’t be at United.
Andre Onana
United looked like they had acquired one of Europe’s best goalkeepers when they signed Andre Onana in the summer of 2023, but the move turned out to be a nightmare and there is no longer a place for the Cameroon international at Old Trafford.
Senne Ramens has made the goalkeeper position his own, with Altai Bindir emerging as a backup option. This will leave Onana, who is currently on loan in Türkiye, free to meet the demands of his parent club.
Tyrell Malasia
Tyrrell Malasia remains at United as the only member of the so-called ‘bomb squad’ who was not able to make a move in the summer, but he has not played a single minute in the Premier League this season.
His only appearance this season will be in the third round of the FA Cup at home to Brighton & Hove Albion. But even that seems unlikely. Everyone involved needs a clean break.
toby collier
Toby Collier graduated from United’s academy system and was in the first team before being loaned out to West Bromwich Albion at the start of the season.
Unfortunately, his loan spell was not very fruitful and he is currently sidelined due to injury. Unless he improves dramatically upon returning to fitness, it could be only a matter of time before he leaves United permanently.
tom heaton
Tom Heaton continues to play a role in United’s dressing room, with his wealth of experience proving useful in assisting the club’s young goalkeepers on the training ground.
Crucially, he is also British, which means he is instrumental in the Red Devils’ supply of homegrown players. However, his best days are behind him and he is unlikely to play for United again unless they suffer a serious injury crisis.
