Manchester United's scouting and transfers have become a joke over the years, critics and some (desperate) fans often point out. Erik Ten Hag's "Ajax-oriented" signings didn't help either, they argue, pointing out how the club have failed to offload the stars they want in the recent transfer windows.
As 39-year-old Ruben Amorim is set to take over as the new manager of the former Premier League champions, the Portuguese has been clearly instructed to do as he wants with the current squad, except for three young guns...
That's right. According to a news report, Manchester United have told Amorim, who is arriving from Lisbon-based Sporting CP to replace Ten Hag, that he is at liberty to do as he pleases with everyone in the current lineup but for these three players, who can't be sold at any cost.
Manchester United's untouchables, who are they?
The word "young" helps to filter out many names from the way. Obviously, Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Andre Onana are not young anymore, neither are captain Bruno Fernandes or Marcus Rashford. Then who are these three gentlemen that has become important to the decision-makers at Old Trafford?
According to SportBible Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund and Kobbie Mainoo are the three ruled "out of the question" for Amorim.
English midfielder Mainoo, 19, is a product of the United academy. Scouted and admitted to the United ranks at the age of nine, Mainoo signed his first professional contract with the club in the 2022-23 season. In March 2024, Mainoo was called up to the national side after having performed well for England at under-17, under-18, and under-19 levels. Since his debut, the teenage sensation of Ghanese origin has played 32 games in all for United.
Rasmus Hojlund
Rasmus Hojlund of Denmark, 21, arrived at the Theatre of Dreams from Serie A's Atalanta in 2023. The striker has so far scored 11 times for United from 35 games across competitions and is perceived to become the next big thing from Scandinavia after Manchester City's Erling Haaland. Injuries restrained Hojlund from performing constantly under Erik Ten Hag after arriving from Italy for an initial £64 million fee plus £8 million in performance related add-ons. The latest reports hint that United believe Hojlund can live up to the legacy of Wayner Rooney, Ruud van Nistelrooy or even Cristiano Ronaldo under the right guidance.
Alejandro Garnacho
Argentine Garnacho, 20, is the highest-rated of the three. The 2024 Copa America winner idolises Cristiano despite coming from the land of Lionel Messi. Madrid-born Garnacho started with Getafe before switching to Atletico Madrid in 2015. However, United came knocking with a prize tag of £420,000 and reached England in 2020. Since making his senior debut in 2020, Alejandro Garnacho has often become the sole ray of light for the fans in what otherwise is pitch darkness. His daring runs through the wings curling balls and CR7-like celebrations have cheered up dull Old Trafford stands several times already. Growing from the stature of a super-sub to starter, Garnacho has played 66 times for United so far, scoring 12 times.
What is happening at Manchester United?
On October 28, Manchester United sacked their manager Erik ten Hag. The news broke a day after the former champions were defeated 2-1 by West Ham United in the English top tier, pushing them further down to fourteenth in the table. Manchester United's assistant manager and former striker Ruud van Nistelrooy will take over on an interim basis while they search for a new manager, the club said in a statement.
Appointed in April 2022, Erik ten Hag led United to two domestic trophies - the League Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024. But the 54-year-old's job was the subject of speculation most of last season as United suffered a worst-ever eighth-place Premier League finish and exited the Champions League at the group stage and the Dutchman found himself firmly in the hot seat again this season amid a woeful start to the campaign. United have won four of their 14 games in all competitions so far this term and endured damaging 3-0 losses against Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford. They have achieved 11 points from nine matches in the Premier League, which is far off target, the club said, to achieve their goal of a fourth-place finish.
ALSO READ | Era over! Manchester United sacks manager Erik ten Hag
With British billionaire and INEOS chairman Jim Ratcliffe taking over football operations last season, the club initially stuck with Ten Hag to have continuity in the manager's position during a time of change but United did not see any momentum or progress to believe they were on the right path. A poor start to the season also saw United draw their first three Europa League games from winning positions.
Latest reports claim the Red Devils are set to pay €10m exit clause for Ruben Amorim to become new manager at Old Trafford. Sporting confirm also confirmed to having received formal communication from the English club.
