The arrival of Ruben Amorim at the helm of Manchester United is already having significant consequences, with one Red Devils star—who was a favorite under Erik Ten Hag—now contemplating leaving the club.
As Manchester United undergoes a transitional phase with Ruben Amorim’s appointment, several players brought in under Erik Ten Hag are uncertain about their future. Brazilian winger Antony, signed for a record €100 million, is one of those struggling to fit into the new system under the Portuguese coach.
According to *UtdDistrict*, Antony has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with his current role in the team. Having been one of Ten Hag’s trusted players at Ajax, Antony now appears to be at odds with the tactical vision Amorim wants to implement.
Amorim, who has caused some controversy for his refusal to work with Ruud Van Nistelrooy, favors a 3-4-3 formation that demands wingers to contribute in both defensive and offensive phases of play. This approach contrasts sharply with the more attacking and free role that Antony has been used to. Observers note that this tactical setup leaves little room for traditional wingers like Antony, who excel in offensive creation and dribbling. This shift in strategy has put Antony’s future at Manchester United in jeopardy.
Sources close to the club suggest that Antony could request a transfer as soon as January if his situation doesn’t improve. It’s reported that he is planning to meet with the club’s management to discuss his role and future at Old Trafford. Some outlets even claim that Ruben Amorim has already informed the board that the Brazilian winger is not part of his plans going forward.
A potential departure for Antony would mark a significant moment in Manchester United’s rebuilding process. Despite his high price tag, a sale would represent a repudiation of the recruitment strategy laid out under Ten Hag. For Antony, a transfer could offer him the chance to play in a system that better suits his style of play.
As Amorim puts his mark on the squad, Manchester United fans could see a major reshuffle, with a greater emphasis on players who fit into his vision of quick, high-intensity transitions and tactical discipline.
As Manchester United are poised to enter a new era with Ruben Amorim at the helm, an unexpected departure is already shaking fans. Ruud van Nistelrooy, club legend and interim coach until recently, has been dismissed from the staff by the new Portuguese coach, much to the chagrin of many fans and former’ players, including Rio Ferdinand. The latter did not hesitate to criticize the Lusitanian technician and also the Red Devil club.
Ruud van Nistelrooy’s short stint as Manchester United’s interim coach left a strong impression, with three wins and a draw in four games, but he has now departed following the appointment of Ruben Amorim as permanent manager.
Despite his positive impact, Amorim has opted to build his own staff, preferring a clean slate with his trusted team, including assistants Carlos Fernandes and Adelio Candido. Van Nistelrooy, who scored 150 goals in 219 games during his playing career at United, received backing from players such as Matthijs de Ligt, who praised his experience as a “precious” asset to the team. However, Amorim’s preference for control over his staff signaled the end of van Nistelrooy’s time with the squad.
The decision has not been without controversy, with United legend Rio Ferdinand voicing strong disapproval. On his podcast, *Rio Ferdinand Presents*, Ferdinand argued that van Nistelrooy’s “audition couldn’t have gone better,” and he admired the bond the former striker had developed with the players.
According to Ferdinand, van Nistelrooy’s tactical insight and individual coaching had quickly won the respect of the team, with players motivated to perform under his guidance. Ferdinand questioned Amorim’s choice, fearing it might disrupt a valuable connection between the staff and players, especially during a period of rebuilding for the club.
Ferdinand also raised concerns about the broader impact of this decision, as Manchester United seeks stability and unity under new leadership following Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s acquisition and INEOS’s influence. He argued that van Nistelrooy, with his unique understanding of United’s history and values, was ideally suited to maintain a strong, cohesive locker room atmosphere.
According to Ferdinand, van Nistelrooy’s departure risks creating a sense of distance in a time when unity is essential. The former defender ultimately believes that, despite Amorim’s desire for an independent approach, van Nistelrooy’s presence could have been an asset, reinforcing both the team’s cohesion and connection to the club’s legacy.
