Five Man United players could be culled in brutal Ruben Amorim squad decision

Ruben Amorim has been meeting his Manchester United players for the first time this week with warm hugs. A number could be set for a goodbye handshake next summer.

As many as 14 first-team players were let go during the last transfer window in what was the club’s biggest clear-out for some time. But the reality is that a few more will be shown the door next year with Amorim expected to adopt his 3-4-3 philosophy honed at Sporting CP.

A handful of players will become surplus to requirements as a result, while those who are ageing might be at risk of exiting, with Amorim traditionally operating with a younger squad at Sporting. For example, the average age of his back three in Portugal was 21.

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The median is unlikely to be that low at United but the average age of the squad could reduce under Amorim. And those who are on the fringes of the squad might also be culled.

The Brazilian was on shaky ground under the manager who brought him in and he will have to go some to impress new boss Amorim. Antony has arguably slipped down to fourth right-wing option behind Alejandro Garnacho, Amad and Marcus Rashford when switched over.

MEN Sport understands United are tracking 17-year-old Sporting winger Geovany Quenda, a right winger. That seems ominous for Antony.

Eriksen has been playing well in recent months having been linked with an exit over the summer. However, there are questions over how the attacking midfielder, who turns 33 in February, will fit into Amorim’s system.

Only two central midfielders are needed in his 3-4-3 formation and Bruno