Gary Neville Backs Amorim to Make Bold Decisions, Suggests Two Major Stars Could Be Dropped from Manchester United.
Manchester United’s upcoming January transfer window arrives at a challenging period for the club. After suffering four consecutive defeats in the Premier League and Carabao Cup towards the end of last year, the team managed to regain some stability with a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Liverpool and a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Arsenal in the FA Cup. However, new manager Rúben Amorim is under immense pressure to revamp the squad while dealing with financial constraints.
Amorim is keen on reinforcing crucial positions, including left-back, center-back, striker, and midfield. Yet, following the significant investments made during Erik ten Hag’s reign, the club is operating with limited financial flexibility. As a result, the focus has shifted to player sales as a means to generate funds for the much-needed squad overhaul.
Among those reportedly on the transfer list are Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford, who collectively earn £350,000 per week. Rashford, having missed six of the last seven matchday squads, is rumored to be a loan target for AC Milan. On the other hand, Garnacho has attracted strong interest from Napoli, now managed by Antonio Conte.
Former club captain Gary Neville has weighed in on these potential exits, expressing support for Amorim’s readiness to make difficult choices. Speaking on The Overlap US podcast, Neville acknowledged the speculation surrounding the duo and suggested that such bold moves wouldn’t be surprising. He pointed out that the club has seen talented players struggle to deliver consistently over the past decade and emphasized that significant changes are needed to restore United to their former glory.
Neville drew comparisons to Sir Alex Ferguson’s fearless approach to squad management, recalling how the legendary manager was never hesitant to part ways with high-profile players for the greater good of the team. He cited examples such as the departures of Norman Whiteside and Paul McGrath in the early years, followed by the exits of big names like Jaap Stam, David Beckham, Roy Keane, and Ruud van Nistelrooy—all of whom were considered integral to the squad at the time.
If Amorim decides to proceed with offloading Rashford and Garnacho, it could represent a defining moment in his tenure at Old Trafford, granting him the opportunity to rebuild the squad according to his strategic vision. The potential departures of two high-profile stars may generate debate among fans, but they could also provide the financial breathing room necessary to bring in reinforcements that align with Amorim’s philosophy.
Neville’s perspective highlights the need for decisive leadership, echoing Ferguson’s philosophy that no player is bigger than the club. Amorim’s willingness to make these tough decisions could prove crucial in his effort to steer Manchester United back to prominence, ensuring the team is composed of individuals who align with his tactical approach and long-term objectives.
