- Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is planning a January clear-out, targeting Christian Eriksen and Antony for potential exits
- The duo’s combined wages of £350,000 per week have made them expendable as United seek financial flexibility for new signings
- Eriksen has struggled for minutes under Amorim, while Antony’s inconsistent performances have failed to convince the Portuguese boss of his worth
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim appears ready to make bold decisions regarding his squad, as reports from Manchester suggest the Portuguese tactician is prepared to offload two high-profile players during the January transfer window.
The former Sporting CP manager, who replaced Erik ten Hag in November, has endured a turbulent start at Old Trafford and is eager to reshape his team for the remainder of the season.
Amorim’s tenure began with a 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town in the Premier League, followed by a narrow 3-2 comeback win over Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League. His brightest moment came in a 4-0 demolition of Everton at Old Trafford. However, back-to-back league losses to Arsenal and Nottingham Forest have exposed cracks in United’s performances, increasing pressure on the new manager.
After the recent 3-2 defeat to Forest, Amorim took responsibility for the team’s shortcomings, acknowledging the difficulty of transmitting energy and quality to his players under such circumstances.
“When this happens, it's more my fault because I’m responsible, we try to do it in the best way… but it’s really hard in this context,” Amorim admitted.
Despite his public support for the squad, reports indicate that Amorim is ready to make significant changes. Christian Eriksen and Antony are two players reportedly on the chopping block, as United aim to reduce their wage bill and create room for new signings.
Together, Eriksen and Antony earn a staggering £350,000 per week, and their departures would provide much-needed financial flexibility.
Eriksen, 32, has struggled to play under Amorim, making just one appearance since the manager’s arrival. With his contract expiring in the summer, the Danish midfielder is not part of Amorim’s long-term plans.
Meanwhile, Antony, who joined United for £86 million, has failed to impress this season. The 24-year-old Brazilian has managed only seven appearances across all competitions and has yet to convince Amorim of his value to the squad.
As United braces for a crucial transfer window, all eyes will be on Amorim and his ability to rebuild a faltering squad. Will these tough calls pay off, or could they further complicate United’s challenging campaign? Only time will tell.
Rashford labours in vain as Amorim’s men struggle in manager’s first game
Previously, TheRadar reported that Ruben Amorim’s much-anticipated tenure as Manchester United manager began with frustration as his side settled for a 1-1 draw against newly-promoted Ipswich Town at Portman Road.
Marcus Rashford opened the scoring brilliantly within the first 90 seconds, but despite a good performance, Amorim’s men failed to score another goal, leaving them languishing in 12th place in the Premier League table.