As Manchester United begin their preparations for the upcoming season, five high-profile players have been instructed to stay away from the initial stages of pre-season training. The group, consisting of Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho, and Tyrell Malacia, have been told not to report back to Carrington on Monday with the rest of the squad.
The decision reflects new head coach Ruben Amorim’s intent to reshape the team. All five players spent last season on loan and are now considered surplus to requirements as United look to trim the squad and build a new foundation under Amorim’s leadership.
Sources close to the club indicate that the players are being given additional time to explore potential transfer opportunities. While they will not be part of the group travelling to the United States for the pre-season tour, the club has made medical and rehabilitation facilities available to them at Carrington. This arrangement allows United to meet their contractual obligations while also distancing the players from the core team.
Marcus Rashford’s situation is especially noteworthy. After a turbulent relationship with Amorim, which reportedly led to his loan move to Aston Villa, Rashford is now seeking a permanent exit. Barcelona and Bayern Munich are monitoring his status, with his iconic number 10 shirt already reassigned to new signing Matheus Cunha in a symbolic move.
Alejandro Garnacho is another notable absentee. The Argentine winger reportedly fell out with Amorim after expressing dissatisfaction with being benched during the Europa League final loss to Tottenham. Garnacho has attracted interest from Chelsea, Napoli, and Spurs, making his exit seem increasingly likely.
Jadon Sancho, who returned from a loan stint at Chelsea, is also on the way out. Chelsea chose not to make the move permanent, instead paying a penalty to avoid a full transfer. Juventus is reportedly interested, but the player’s high wages may complicate negotiations. A loan deal remains the most viable option.
Antony, who impressed during his loan spell at Real Betis, could return to Spain either permanently or for another loan. Despite showing glimpses of his potential, he remains outside Amorim’s plans for the coming season.
Tyrell Malacia, the fifth player told to delay his return, spent time at PSV Eindhoven but failed to secure a permanent switch. With limited interest from other clubs and no apparent path back into the first-team setup, his future remains uncertain.
While the club acknowledges the contributions of these players in the past, the message is clear: under Amorim’s tenure, a new chapter is beginning at Manchester United one that may not include some familiar faces.
