Ruben Amorim hints at Man United squad summer clear out as ‘ruthless’ manager warns his players about ‘harming the team’

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has admitted that he has to be ruthless with the players at the club ahead of a summer clear out.

United have endured a miserable season, with Amorim having found it difficult to improve the team’s fortunes since his appointment in November.

Amorim’s side are languishing in 14th place in the Premier League, although they are still active in the FA Cup and the Europa League.

Midfielder Casemiro is a potential candidate to leave, while Marcus Rashford, who is on loan at Aston Villa, could depart permanently.

Forwards Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee also face uncertain futures. 

Amorim said: ‘I don’t like to be like that just to show strength.

Midfielder Casemiro is a potential candidate to leave United in the summer transfer window

Forwards Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have found it difficult to meet expectations

Marcus Rashford, who is on loan at Aston Villa, could depart United permanently

‘If the team is trying, and I understand that they are trying but they cannot do it, I am not ruthless.

‘But when I feel that it is something which is going to harm the team, then I am quite ruthless.’

Amorim admitted that some United players are already aware that they will have to leave the club. 

He said: ‘Everybody understands that in football sometimes you stay, sometimes you have to move on.’

‘If I know how to explain it, I will do so because I like to be clear.

‘I was a player and like to use that experience — when you are honest with someone, they can take it.

‘In the beginning maybe it is hard but they will understand.

‘I’m quite honest with my players and sometimes they know they have to move on at the end of the season.

Amorim knows that there is much room for improvement in his United squad

‘We can talk about that in the end — now there are still a lot of games to play. But that is clear and not a difficult situation.’ 

Despite their struggles this campaign there is still a possibility that United could secure some silverware.

On Sunday Amroim’s team are in FA Cup action when they host Fulham.

They are also through to the knockout phase of the Europa League, where they will take on Real Sociedad.