Ruben Amorim has been told that Manchester United must sell ten players if they want to compete at the top again.
United are in fourteenth place in the Premier League under their new boss and look a long way from battling for honors closer to the top of the table. A complete overhaul seems necessary despite significant signings in the summer, albeit before Amorim arrived to have input into recruitment.
Former Chelsea and Blackburn striker Chris Sutton believes the likes of Matthijs de Ligt and Joshua Zirkzee should be discarded despite only having arrived at the start of the season. In his column for the Daily Mail, the veteran pundit said of the Dutch defender that 'an upgrade can be made'.
Sutton's assessment of Zirkzee wasn't particularly complimentary either. The ex-Celtic star described the Dutch international as a 'development player' and that 'Manchester United do not need any development players at the moment'.
Goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, defenders Victor Lindelof, Jonny Evans and Tyrell Malacia, midfield veterans Casemiro and Christian Eriksen, and strikers Antony and Marcus Rashford are all on Sutton's chopping block. Lindelof, Evans and Eriksen will see their contracts expire at the end of the season.
That does mean United have been told to retain the services of Harry Maguire, who will also enter the final six months of his contract in the coming days. “I'm keeping Harry Maguire because I think he has a good character and United need more of him in the dressing room,” wrote Sutton.
“United feel like a club where underlying issues still plague them and who can you trust? Amorim can trust Harry Maguire and he shouldn't be in a hurry to get rid of him. He always stands up to be counted.”
Sutton also named three signings he believes would help transform United's fortunes. Nottingham Forest defender Murillo was the first name on his list during an excellent season in which he has helped the Midlands side to second place in the Premier League.
The Brazilian is recommended alongside Antonee Robinson, who is touted as the solution to Amorim's problems at left-back. “He is someone who passes because Amorim has a balance problem on the left side,” said Sutton.
Yoanne Wissa is the final name given. The Brentford forward is described as having 'exceptional' finishing, while offering impressive link-up play.
However, Sutton did warn: “But he's more than that, he's quite smart, although Manchester United would probably find a way to ruin his career!”
10 players Sutton thinks Amorim should sell
Altay BayindirVictor LindelofJonny EvansMatthijs de LigtTyrell MalaciaCasemiroChristian EriksenAntonyMarcus RashfordJoshua Zirkzee