Ruben Amorim may have banished several players from pre-season preparations, but he has not completely closed the door on their chances of returning to the Manchester United team.

It’s set to be a huge season for Ruben Amorim after a difficult first six months as Manchester United head coach. The former Sporting CP boss replaced Erik ten Hag, and results worsened, as United lost the Europa League final and finished 15th in the Premier League.

Ahead of the 2025/26 season, Amorim has taken his side to the United States for the Summer Series. It consists of three friendly matches against Premier League opposition, including West Ham, Bournemouth and Everton.

It’s been a chance for the reporters to catch up with Amorim, who was joined by new signing Matheus Cunha at his press conference in Chicago on Friday.

Amorim and Cunha opened up on several topics throughout the press briefing, with Manchester-based reporters joined by local press in the US.

The United head coach was asked about his new signings and what roles are planned for Kobbie Mainoo next season.

Ruben Amorim interviewed in Sweden during pre-season.Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty ImagesBanished players could return to Man Utd fold

Several players who remain at United were left out of pre-season preparations.

Marcus Rashford was one prior to his loan move to Barcelona this week.

Other than Rashford, four other players were left out of the pre-season tour squad by Amorim. They include Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia.

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While Malacia has interest from Saudi Arabia, it remains to be seen if the other players will find new clubs this summer, or if they will be left with United next season.

Amorim stressed that he has not ruled out reintegrating the United quartet back into the squad when the transfer window shuts.

He told reporters: “Some players have to find a new place to have more space in the team, and other players clearly show they want a new challenge and want new teams. We are just allowing these players to have time to think and to decide. If we reach a point where they have to join the team, they will join the team, because they are our players.

“I know for a fact, these people, Omar, Jason, and the club, have a number for these players. If they don’t reach that, they will be Manchester United players, no doubt about that. I understand that clubs are waiting for the last minute, but they can have a surprise.

“I’m ready to receive the players; they have more competition, more competition. If you want to play in the World Cup next year, you need to play. So I’m really happy with that because I have more options. If they have to fight each other to play, for me, it’s perfect. In any team, if you see the best teams in the world, you feel the bond between all the players, and that is really important. Then I think we need to remind ourselves how special it is to be at Manchester United.

“That is my feeling, it’s the best club in the world, and it should be for everyone on the pitch and everyone at the club, and I really like that feeling. I really like to be in a group that is healthy.”

This is far from an ideal situation for any manager to be facing going into the new season, even if he is putting on a brave face by trying to ensure these players keep their value.

Sales would help address striker search

If Ineos can generate funds from transfers, they will be able to address other problematic areas in the team.

Two of those include the striker and goalkeeper.

ESPN claim United now have a three-man striker shortlist for the rest of the summer that doesn’t consist of Benjamin Sesko.

Instead, it includes Ollie Watkins, Randal Kolo Muani and Dusan Vlahovic.

The report stresses that any move would be dependent on an outgoing.