Manchester United: Squad Decisions – Who to Keep and Who to Sell Under Ruben Amorim?

A new season for Manchester United is just around the corner. With new signings like Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo bolstering the attack, Ruben Amorim can look forward to his revamped squad with optimism. However, much work remains to be done. Marcus Rashford appears to be heading to Barcelona, and Alejandro Garnacho might be leaving the club. Despite United reaching the Europa League final last season, this does not offset a dismal 15th-place league finish and a staggering 18 losses.

Little went right for the Red Devils last season. However, now with a singular focus on one competition and a consistent manager for the entire campaign, the club has an opportunity for significant improvement. While much work lies ahead, positive aspects of United`s game are emerging as the new season approaches.

So, what should be done with the current squad members? Who should be kept, and who should be sold? Let`s delve into it. Manchester United: Keep or Sell.

Goalkeeper

Andre Onana (29)

Andre Onana is a highly contradictory goalkeeper. Compared to other Premier League players, his performance is average, but the disparity between his best and worst displays is immense. On his day, Onana is one of the league`s top shot-stoppers, but at other times, he becomes a liability. This is not helped by a constantly rotating defense. While United faces more significant issues than Onana, if the club finds a suitor for his services, parting ways would be justified.

Verdict: Sell

Defenders

Leny Yoro (19)

Arriving from Lille with high expectations, Leny Yoro faced adaptation challenges due to injuries (not helped by United`s general instability), but by season`s end, the center-back showed his potential. Confident on the ball and a mobile defender, Yoro clearly has the makings of a strong Premier League defender with more playing time. However, how the defense is structured around him will be crucial.

Verdict: Keep

Lisandro Martinez (27)

Lisandro Martinez, who performs quite differently for club and country, is arguably the best pure defender in the United squad, but injuries frequently prevent him from demonstrating it fully. He`s one of the tougher players for the Red Devils to decide on; if the club undergoes a complete overhaul, selling him might be an option, but not while simultaneously aiming for victories. This highlights a major issue for United: the club requires a full rebuild, but if that`s not happening, Martinez must stay.

Verdict: Keep

Matthijs de Ligt (25)

The Dutch defender has room for growth, but it feels as though Matthijs de Ligt was signed due to his familiarity with former manager Erik ten Hag. This leaves him in limbo under Ruben Amorim, as his fit within the squad is unclear. De Ligt offers a strong presence on set pieces, but that`s insufficient to retain him in an already crowded squad.

Verdict: Sell

Harry Maguire (32)

During United`s Europa League campaign, Harry Maguire proved indispensable. While he might have joined the club for an inflated price, by embracing leadership roles and driving the team forward, Maguire has secured his place in an increasingly youthful squad.

Verdict: Keep

Patrick Dorgu (20)

Patrick Dorgu, a promising wing-back, could benefit significantly from a full pre-season with the squad. Wing-backs are crucial to Amorim`s system, and as a player strong in both attack and defense, Dorgu will have a substantial role to play this coming season. Taking a step forward at 20 will be critical for United`s return to European competition.

Verdict: Keep

Luke Shaw (30)

Thanks to his versatility, which allows United to rotate and keep other defenders fresh, Luke Shaw can still be a valuable squad member despite his injury history. Shaw also provides excellent deliveries from set-pieces and offers essential veteran leadership.

Verdict: Keep

Diogo Dalot (26)

Diogo Dalot excels in attack but needs to improve defensively. His future hinges on where Amorim intends to play Amad. If Cunha and Mbeumo push the young midfielder into a wing-back role, Dalot might become surplus to requirements, given other players capable of filling that position.

Verdict: Amorim to determine positioning

Noussair Mazraoui (27)

Similar to Shaw, Noussair Mazraoui benefits from his ability to play as both a full-back and a center-back. This places him above Dalot in the depth chart and provides Amorim with additional tactical flexibility. If United were contending for a title, this might be a position to upgrade, but as things stand, Mazraoui is perfectly adequate.

Verdict: Keep

Midfielders

Manuel Ugarte (24)

Manuel Ugarte, another player who emerged strongly in Europa League play, has improved under Amorim. Considering Casemiro`s age and the fee paid for Ugarte, he deserves more time to showcase his abilities. However, if he doesn`t make a significant step forward this season, it will be time to move on.

Verdict: Keep

Casemiro (33)

Casemiro was expected to leave, yet he continued to perform for the Red Devils. Like half the squad, his form was superior in the Europa League compared to the Premier League. Amorim must now translate this form to a longer competition while also ensuring Casemiro receives adequate rest to endure the season. Load management will be crucial, but currently, United cannot afford to lose the Brazilian.

Verdict: Keep

Kobbie Mainoo (20)

Kobbie Mainoo, one of the most crucial building blocks in the squad, will be an X-factor for United this season. He can easily advance the ball and skillfully deliver passes to his attackers. Shooting is an area Mainoo needs to develop, but with more attacking players around him, he won`t have to force it as much this season, providing United with greater balance.

Verdict: Keep

Bruno Fernandes (30)

Bruno Fernandes is United`s talisman. The Red Devils might have been relegated last season were it not for him. Receiving support this season will be crucial to alleviate pressure on the Portuguese midfielder. Building the midfield around him and Mainoo is one of Amorim`s most straightforward decisions this season.

Verdict: Keep

Mason Mount (26)

It`s been a long time since Mason Mount was a pivotal player for Chelsea, and now, with significant injuries each season, he`s another United squad member who seems too injury-prone to rely on. Mount did experience a minor resurgence under Amorim, but it`s difficult to bet on him moving forward long-term.

Verdict: Sell

Forwards

Alejandro Garnacho (21)

The decision to let Alejandro Garnacho leave has already been made. We don`t know what happens behind closed doors, but despite Garnacho`s talent, enough has transpired for Amorim to deem him surplus to requirements, especially with new attacking players acquired for his position.

Verdict: Sell

Amad Diallo (23)

Amad Diallo, another key player for Manchester United under Amorim, is not going anywhere. While he needs a defined position, his versatility is also a significant asset for the Red Devils. He performed strongly last season and will now aim to build on that success to become one of the Premier League`s top players.

Verdict: Keep

Antony (25)

Similar to Garnacho, the decision to move on from Antony has already been made. The Red Devils have seen enough of him in the Premier League, and even a strong loan spell at Real Betis won`t alter that.

Verdict: Sell

Rasmus Hojlund (22)

Despite scoring only four goals in the Premier League last season, it still feels like Hojlund can offer more. When previously surrounded by other attackers, he has shown an ability to convert limited chances into goals, which will be relevant this coming season. Like Ugarte, this is a crucial season for the Danish striker. While rumors suggest United might let him go for the right price, it`s too early to give up on his talent.

Verdict: Keep

Joshua Zirkzee (24)

Like Hojlund, Joshua Zirkzee had a disappointing season last campaign. Unlike Hojlund, Zirkzee is not a true number nine, which is precisely what United needs right now. At his best, he plays behind a striker, and with United now having three or four players in similar roles, he is becoming surplus to requirements. It`s difficult to understand why United acquired him in the first place.

Verdict: Sell