BREAKING NEWS: Manchester United Set for January Clear-Out as Amorim Moves to Offload Five Players
Manchester United are gearing up for a major overhaul when the January transfer window opens, with Rúben Amorim determined to reshape the squad to suit his footballing philosophy. The Portuguese coach is not interested in compromising his ideas to fit the current group and has instead made it clear that personnel changes are necessary if the club is to move forward in the right direction.
Amorim has reportedly told senior figures at Old Trafford that January should signal the true start of a rebuild. His intention is to bring in players who naturally understand and execute his tactical demands, even if that requires difficult decisions involving familiar faces. United are said to be monitoring midfielders such as Angelo Stiller, Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson as part of plans to refresh the engine room.
To finance potential arrivals, the club is believed to have identified five players who could be moved on. One notable name missing from that list is Kobbie Mainoo. Despite recent speculation about his long-term future, the academy graduate is not currently considered expendable, although further departures beyond the initial group have not been ruled out.
Among those most at risk is Joshua Zirkzee. The striker, once preferred to Rasmus Højlund, has slipped down the pecking order following the arrivals of Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Šeško and Bryan Mbeumo. Amorim is thought to favour a more orthodox penalty-box finisher, a preference that has pushed Zirkzee toward the fringes. Juventus and AC Milan are reportedly monitoring developments as United consider selling him to fund a more direct attacking option.
Tyrell Malacia also appears close to the exit door. While his signing was initially met with optimism, ongoing injury issues have prevented him from establishing himself. Amorim places high value on powerful, relentless full-backs capable of dominating the flank from end to end, and Malacia is not seen as the right fit for that role.
Manuel Ugarte’s future is equally uncertain. The Uruguayan midfielder, signed from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024, has struggled to adapt and does not align with Amorim’s vision for the holding midfield position. The manager prefers someone comfortable dictating play and progressing the ball under pressure rather than focusing purely on ball recovery. Galatasaray are believed to be leading interest should United decide to sell.
Goalkeeper Altay Bayındır is another player who could move on. After André Onana’s exit, he failed to fully cement himself as the first choice, and the rise of Senne Lammens has further limited his opportunities. Without a transfer, Bayındır is likely to remain a cup goalkeeper.
Mason Mount also faces an uncertain future. Despite being given chances, injuries and a lack of tactical compatibility have hindered his influence. With more midfield additions expected, United are increasingly open to the idea of cashing in.
United currently sit sixth in the Premier League and are gradually finding stability after a difficult spell. Speaking after the dramatic 4–4 draw with Bournemouth, Amorim insisted the team’s problems go beyond shape or formation, stressing that poor execution, rushed decisions and inefficiency in decisive moments remain the biggest obstacles to progress.
