Ruben Amorim’s arrival at Manchester United has brought swift and significant changes to a squad in dire need of a fresh identity.
The Portuguese manager, known for his tactical discipline and high-intensity style, has wasted no time in implementing two strict new rules aimed at instilling the mentality and professionalism necessary to revive the club’s fortunes. However, the winds of change at Old Trafford may soon sweep away several familiar faces, with five players reportedly at risk of being shown the door in January.
Since Amorim’s appointment, Manchester United have adopted a distinct 3-4-3 formation, emphasizing collective pressing, high work rates, and selflessness on the pitch. Despite a recent 2-0 defeat to Arsenal that highlighted the challenges ahead, the foundation for a brighter future under Amorim is being laid. His commitment to building a cohesive, disciplined squad is already evident in his off-the-pitch directives.
Journalist Steve Bates reports that Amorim has enforced two new regulations designed to foster a culture of unity and focus. Injured players must now attend every match in full tracksuits, arriving at least an hour before kickoff, regardless of their playing status. This rule, aimed at maintaining team spirit and ensuring the squad remains engaged, has been well-received by the coaching staff.
Additionally, Amorim insists that players stay in a hotel the night before every match—even for home games at Old Trafford. This change reflects his desire to cultivate a controlled, distraction-free environment where the team can mentally and physically prepare for the challenges ahead. The night-before stays, previously reserved for away fixtures, are now a fixture of Amorim’s regime, reinforcing his belief in consistency and focus.
Amorim’s emphasis on fitness and intensity has also sent shockwaves through the squad. Reports suggest that during his first week of training, he was left “astounded” by the lack of intensity displayed by some players. As a result, Amorim has introduced rigorous sprinting and recovery tests, overseen by his conditioning team, to identify which players can meet the physical demands of his system.
“Fitness levels are being closely monitored,” Bates noted, adding that Amorim is meticulously assessing each player’s ability to perform their assigned roles. Those who fail to meet his standards may find themselves on the chopping block when the January transfer window opens.
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By the end of December, Amorim is expected to have completed a comprehensive evaluation of every player in the squad. According to Bates, the manager has made it clear to his staff that he will not tolerate passengers. Five players, in particular, are believed to be under intense scrutiny: Antony, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Christian Eriksen, and Jonny Evans.
Each of these players faces an uncertain future, with Amorim’s tactical demands and long-term vision taking precedence. Lindelof, for instance, has already attracted interest from Inter Milan. The Swedish defender is in the final year of his contract and could negotiate a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs starting January 1. Inter, eager to refresh their aging defense, view Lindelof as a prime candidate to bolster their backline.
Meanwhile, Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans, both struggling to fit into Amorim’s high-intensity system, may also find themselves surplus to requirements. Maguire, once a mainstay in the United defense, has seen his role diminished, while Evans’ return to Old Trafford may be cut short if the manager opts for a younger, more dynamic defensive core.
Christian Eriksen, though still a valuable playmaker, faces questions about his ability to consistently perform in Amorim’s physically demanding system. Antony, who arrived with high expectations, has yet to fully adapt to the new tactical setup and could be another casualty of the January shake-up.
Amorim’s approach is clear: Manchester United’s revival hinges on assembling a squad capable of executing his vision. To that end, tough decisions will be made in the coming weeks, and the January window could mark the beginning of a significant overhaul at Old Trafford.
As the transfer deadline approaches, United fans will be watching closely to see which players make the cut and which are deemed expendable. Amorim’s no-nonsense approach has already injected a sense of purpose and direction into the club, but the road to success will require difficult choices and unwavering commitment from every member of the squad.
With Amorim at the helm, Manchester United may finally be on the path to reclaiming their status as a Premier League powerhouse. However, the next few months will be crucial in determining which players will be part of that journey—and which will be left behind.
