News

Manchester United make final decision on stars Marcus Rashford, Antony, and Alejandro Garnacho

Marcus Rashford of Manchester United celebrates after scoring a goal, which is later disallowed following a Handball decision via a VAR Review, during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester United at Molineux on December 31, 2022 in Wolverhampton, England.
© Naomi Baker/Getty ImagesMarcus Rashford of Manchester United celebrates after scoring a goal, which is later disallowed following a Handball decision via a VAR Review, during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester United at Molineux on December 31, 2022 in Wolverhampton, England.

Manchester United have endured an underwhelming 2024–25 campaign, and major changes are already underway ahead of next season. As part of a squad rebuild led by new manager Ruben Amorim, the club has reportedly made a final decision on the futures of key attacking players Marcus Rashford, Antony, and Alejandro Garnacho.

Since Amorim’s arrival in November, the Portuguese coach has begun reshaping the squad, challenging even high-profile names to adapt—or move on. With preseason now underway and the summer transfer window open, the club has made it clear that certain players no longer feature in its plans.

According to The Athletic, Manchester United have granted Rashford, Garnacho, and Antony permission to report to preseason training at a later date. The move is designed to give the trio time to explore transfers elsewhere, as they are no longer considered part of Amorim’s long-term strategy.

Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia—who spent last season on loan at Chelsea and Feyenoord, respectively—have received the same directive. Once seen as building blocks for the future, all five players now appear to be on the chopping block as United look to trim their wage bill and free up space for reinforcements.

United’s first-team squad is scheduled to return to Carrington on Monday to begin preparations for the 2025–26 season. Matheus Cunha remains the club’s marquee signing of the summer so far, but Rashford, Garnacho, Antony, Sancho, and Malacia are all expected to be absent from the session.

Rashford, Garnacho, and a point of no return

Since Amorim’s appointment, Rashford and Garnacho have been at the center of controversy. The pair were dropped from the squad ahead of the Manchester derby due to reported lapses in training commitment. Rashford later secured a loan move to Aston Villa in January.

Garnacho remained at Old Trafford and even reclaimed a regular role in the starting XI. However, his exclusion from the UEFA Europa League final led to public speculation about his standing within the team. His reaction after the game further fueled doubts about his future—and now, the club has decided it’s time for him to move on.

With Amorim driving the club’s rebuild, only fully committed players will be part of the project. As the Red Devils chase new targets like Cunha, those unwilling to buy into the manager’s vision will be shown the door. The message is clear: a new era at Manchester United leaves no room for half-measures.

200+ Channels & Local Sports
  • Price: Plans starting at $14.99/mo (Latino)
  • Watch Ligue 1, Copa Libertadores & World Cup Qualifiers
Every MLS Match in One Place
  • Price: $12.99/mo (Now included with standard subscription)
  • Watch every MLS regular season game, Playoffs & Leagues Cup
Many Sports & ESPN Originals
  • Price: $11.99/mo (or ESPN Unlimited for $29.99/mo)
  • Features LaLiga, Bundesliga, FA Cup & NWSL
2,000+ Soccer Games Per Year
  • Price: Starting at $8.99/mo
  • Features Champions League, Serie A & Europa League
Home of the Premier League
  • Price: Starting at $10.99/mo
  • 175+ Exclusive EPL matches per season

EDITORS’ PICKS