The winds of change are blowing stronger than ever at Old Trafford as Ruben Amorim's Manchester United steps into pre-season with a clear message: rebuild or be left behind.
Ahead of Saturday’s pre-season clash against Leeds United in Stockholm, United have named a 29-man travelling squad packed with promising youth and fresh signings — but noticeably excluding five major first-team names who have been told to stay behind and train at Carrington.
The Unwanted Quintet: Rashford, Garnacho, Antony, Sancho & Malacia
Perhaps the most striking development is the absence of Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho, and Tyrell Malacia. These five have not been included in the Stockholm tour squad and have instead been instructed to train separately at Carrington.
This is not injury-related. This is footballing reality.
Each of these players has been told they are free to find new clubs, signalling a massive shift in approach under Amorim. Gone is the sentimental loyalty of the past — now, performances and discipline speak louder than names or reputations.
This is Amorim sending a strong signal: if you’re not part of the future, you’re out of the present.
Fresh Faces in the Squad: Cunha, Leon, Youth Surge
In more positive news, Matheus Cunha, the £62.5 million signing from Wolves, has been included and is widely expected to make his club debut against Leeds.
Also joining the squad is Diego Leon, a rising defensive talent, along with an exciting group of academy players:
Chido Obi (striker)
Tyler Fredricson (defender)
Jack Fletcher (midfielder – son of Darren Fletcher)
Sekou Kone, Toby Collyer, Ayden Heaven, Ethan Williams, Reece Munro, Bendito Mantato, and Godwill Kukonki
It’s a clear sign that Amorim is not afraid to blood youth, and will likely use this pre-season to assess who can rise through the ranks and help shoulder the rebuild.
Stockholm First, Then America
This Saturday’s match against Leeds will serve as a litmus test for the new-look squad. Leeds, under Daniel Farke, are freshly promoted and hungry to prove themselves — it’s the perfect challenge for a United side trying to rediscover its identity.
After the Sweden stop, United will head across the Atlantic on Tuesday for their U.S. tour, featuring three matches that should offer deeper tactical insights into Amorim’s system.
Mbeumo Medical Imminent?
The final pre-tour boost could come in the form of Bryan Mbeumo, who is expected to undergo his Manchester United medical after a £65 million bid was accepted by Brentford. If all goes to plan, the Cameroonian international will join the squad on the U.S. tour, adding pace, directness, and maturity to the front line.
With Mbeumo potentially joining forces with Cunha and Amad, United’s frontline could take on a new shape entirely — one that is leaner, faster, and more aggressive in transition.
Full 29-Man Squad for Stockholm:
Goalkeepers:
Altay Bayindir, Tom Heaton, Dermot Mee
Defenders:
Diogo Dalot, Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, Patrick Dorgu, Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw
Ayden Heaven, Diego Leon, Tyler Fredricson, Reece Munro, Godwill Kukonki
Midfielders:
Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo
Jack Fletcher, Sekou Kone, Toby Collyer
Forwards:
Rasmus Hojlund, Matheus Cunha, Amad, Chido Obi, Ethan Williams, Bendito Mantato
Final Thoughts: Ruthless but Necessary
United fans, this is what real transition looks like. Harsh decisions. Big players being told to move on. Youth being given a chance. A squad built on work ethic, adaptability, and hunger — not brand name or past glory.
The match against Leeds won’t just be a friendly. It’ll be the first real glimpse into Ruben Amorim’s vision for Manchester United. Not just who he trusts, but how he wants them to play.
We’ll be watching closely.
What do YOU think about the dropped players? Does Amorim have the courage and backing to finish this rebuild properly?
Leave your thoughts below — or join us on YouTube at Football Goal Talk for more straight-talking football breakdowns.
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