Manchester United’s pre-season preparations have been rocked by a bold move from new manager Ruben Amorim, who has decisively cut two senior players from his plans ahead of the upcoming clash with West Ham. The fiery decision, made public during a press conference on Sunday, signals a no-nonsense approach from the Portuguese coach, who made it clear that he’s fully in control of shaping the squad.
Amorim, who took over from Erik ten Hag earlier this summer, didn’t mince words when addressing the situation. He revealed that despite pressure from the board to keep the players involved, he chose to stand firm, stating bluntly:
> “They’re no longer in my plans anymore… the board wanted me to accommodate them, but this is my decision, and there’s no going back about it.”
The announcement immediately ignited speculation, with reports suggesting that Jadon Sancho and Casemiro are the two players left out. Both have reportedly grown disconnected from the squad and are understood to be unenthusiastic about Amorim’s intense, high-press style of football. Their issues seem to have been simmering for months, with sources indicating that both submitted informal transfer requests earlier in the summer due to concerns over playing time, unclear roles, and uncertainty about the team’s direction.
While club officials reportedly tried to persuade Amorim to reintegrate the duo for the sake of team balance, the manager chose to make a statement instead — showing he won’t compromise his methods, regardless of a player’s stature or past contributions.
This move is Amorim’s first major act of authority since arriving from Sporting Lisbon, where he built a reputation for discipline and strong leadership. His stance is already being interpreted as a clear message to the rest of the squad: reputations won’t protect anyone from the consequences of falling short.
Though some supporters have applauded the fresh sense of direction and control, others worry it could cause friction within the dressing room — especially with the Premier League season fast approaching. The West Ham match was expected to offer a glimpse of Amorim’s new-look side, but it will now go ahead without two of United’s highest-profile names.
On the transfer front, Sancho has been strongly linked with a return to Borussia Dortmund or a big-money switch to Saudi Arabia, while Casemiro is attracting interest from MLS sides and clubs in his native Brazil. If both players do leave, it would mark a significant shift in United’s wage structure and strategic approach — a reshaping of the squad that Amorim appears ready to lead without hesitation.
In short, Ruben Amorim has made it clear he’s not here to maintain the status quo. He’s here to rebuild Manchester United with players who fit his vision — and anyone not on board will be left behind.
