Ruben Amorim has cautioned rival clubs that they might be in for a surprise if they expect to acquire Manchester United's unwanted players at a bargain this summer.
Amorim sidelined players such as Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho, and Tyrrell Malacia at the commencement of the pre-season. While Rashford has successfully secured a "dream" transfer to Barcelona, the remaining four are still with the club. They have been instructed to continue training at Carrington after being excluded from United's squad for the Premier League Summer Series in the United States.
Real Betis is eager to bring Antony back following his impressive loan spell last season, while Juventus has shown interest in Sancho but needs to offload players first. Garnacho, on the other hand, has been linked with several clubs. However, no imminent deals are in place, and there is a prevailing belief that interested parties will wait until the end of the transfer window on September 1, hoping for a price reduction.
Amorim warned that this assumption might lead to a surprise, and if necessary, these players will remain with Manchester United. "[Technical director] Jason [Wilcox], [chief executive] Omar Berrada, and the club have set a price for these players," Amorim stated. "If that price isn't met, they will continue as Manchester United players, without a doubt."
He added, "Some players need to find new opportunities to create space within the team, while others clearly express their desire for new challenges and teams. We are allowing them time to think and decide. I understand clubs are waiting until the last minute, but they might be in for a surprise. I am prepared to welcome the players back."
This summer, United has made three signings: Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Diego Leon. However, they are still looking for a striker and a holding midfielder to address evident weaknesses in Amorim's squad. Despite this, the former Sporting boss is confident about facing Arsenal in the season's opening game with the current squad.
"At the moment, our club needs to be very cautious when signing a player," Amorim noted. "If we have to start the season with this squad, I am content because all the players here want to be here, and that, for me, is the most important thing."
United has invested nearly £130 million in forwards Cunha and Mbeumo, believing they can propel the club up the Premier League standings from last season's disappointing 15th place finish. For both players, this move represents a risk. Cunha, who had interest from Tottenham and Arsenal, fulfilled his childhood ambition of playing for United, forgoing the chance of Champions League football to be part of the significant Old Trafford rebuild.
He is aware of the potential backlash from a subpar start to the season, especially with United facing Manchester City and Chelsea, in addition to Arsenal, in the first five games. Nevertheless, Cunha remains unfazed, stating, "I genuinely believe that the pressure of this club is not truly pressure; it's a privilege. This is one of the biggest clubs in the world, and when Ruben approached me to help restore the club to its former glory, it was a challenge I eagerly accepted."