Things are getting awkward behind the scenes at Manchester United.
As the squad ramps up preparations for the new season, five high-profile players are being quietly kept out of sight—literally.
Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Antony, and Tyrell Malacia have all been told to report back to Carrington.
But there’s a catch—they’re not allowed anywhere near new manager Ruben Amorim or the main team.
Training in the Shadows
These players were granted extra time away from the club while exploring potential exits, even as the rest of the squad returned to training last week.
Rashford, however, opted to start using the club’s training facilities again—but only under very specific conditions.
He’s been working with fitness coaches at Carrington, slipping in and out just after Amorim has left for the day.
On Thursday, Garnacho joined him during a quiet spell when only the Under-10s were around.
Now, the rest of the so-called “unwanted five” have been summoned back too—but they’ve been told to show up only after 5pm, once the main squad has cleared out.
Separated from the Main Squad
United are being very clear about it: these players can train, but they won’t be interacting with Amorim or their teammates.
Even this weekend, while the team travels to Stockholm to face Leeds in their opening pre-season match, these five will still need to check in at Carrington.
When United departs for their US tour shortly after, none of the five are expected to be part of the travelling squad.
Exit Plans in Motion
There’s been plenty of speculation about where these players could end up.
Rashford has been linked with Barcelona, while Sancho might be heading for Juventus.
Garnacho is arguably United’s most valuable young asset, and the club is hoping a sale could bring in significant profit to help balance their Financial Fair Play books.
That said, Garnacho isn’t in a rush to leave England.
He reportedly turned down a big-money offer from Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, and is said to be keen on staying in the Premier League.
A couple of Serie A clubs are interested, but he hasn’t made a final decision.
Antony and Malacia Also on the Move
Brazilian winger Antony wants a permanent return to Real Betis, where he spent the latter part of last season on loan.
Meanwhile, Tyrell Malacia—who was last on loan at PSV Eindhoven—is also back on the market.