Ruben Amorim is preparing for a busy pre-season as Manchester United continue reshaping the squad to align with the new manager’s vision.
The Reds have already made key strategic adjustments behind the scenes, from trimming scouting departments to offloading underperforming assets.
While the club is prioritising outgoings before finalising major signings, tensions are rising at Carrington amid growing pressure to cut costs and revamp the wage bill.
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With Andre Onana sidelined with an injury, United are also expected to accelerate their move for a goalkeeper, but defensive reinforcements and winger reshuffles remain on hold until more departures are confirmed.
And now, United’s controversial plan to deal with five high-profile players has made headlines — and raised eyebrows.
Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia have reportedly been placed in a separate training group, with strict instructions to report to Carrington only at 5pm, long after Amorim’s senior squad has completed training, as per The Athletic.
The five have all told Manchester United they no longer want to remain at the club and want to be sold this summer, and Ruben Amorim seems to want the same.
This drastic approach is part of a deliberate club strategy to isolate the unwanted quintet — dubbed the ‘bomb squad’ — and push them to accept transfers elsewhere.
The move signals a hard reset under Amorim, who appears to be drawing a line under players who either failed to impress last season or no longer fit the tactical mould.
One of the affected players, Sancho, had already been excluded by Erik ten Hag following a public fallout, while Rashford and Antony struggled for consistency.
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The intention behind limiting their involvement is to send a clear message: their time at Old Trafford is over.
Yet not everyone within United is comfortable with the evening-only training schedule.
Concerns have been raised internally about the effect this ostracisation could have on player morale and market value — particularly during a time when cost-cutting measures have led to staff layoffs in other departments.
Despite the ethical and financial complexities, United seem determined to clear the decks, even if it means taking a ruthless approach with players they once championed.
With transfer negotiations now in full swing, all eyes are on which of the ‘bomb squad’ will be the first to leave — and whether this gamble pays off.
