The January transfer window is right around the corner and for Manchester United is one of the most important windows in the club's history. A nightmare season thus far has the Red Devils sitting 14th in the Premier League and it feels as though no player is safe from the axe.
Ruben Amorim has spent two months with the squad and will know whom he wants to keep at Old Trafford and who he's ready to part ways with. The ultimate decision will rest with INEOS, the club's co-owners who have been receiving a ton of criticism as of late for questionable decision since completing their co-ownership a year ago.
Here, Red Devils Dispatch decides who from Amorim's squad should be staying put and who needs to be shown the exit door in a potential era-defining transfer window.
Stay or Go: Manchester United's disastrous squad
Goalkeepers
Andre Onana - Stay
The Cameroonian goalkeeper looked to have turned a corner earlier this season with sensational performances in the sticks. Strangely, that was until Amorim arrived and he's been back to his former self, making several costly mistakes and looking unreliable from set-pieces. But he should stay as it would be difficult to find a suitable replacement in January but he does need to show vast improvement.
Altay Bayindir - Go
The Turkish shot-stopper struggled for game time under Erik ten Hag but Amorim gave him an opportunity in the Carabao Cup against Tottenham. He failed to impress, making two glaring errors as Spurs won 4-3 to send United packing from the competition. It's time to sell which will benefit the club and the player.
Tom Heaton - Stay
The English goalkeeper is rarely given game time but he's a positive character to have in the squad. He also won't fetch any reasonable fee, so selling would be somewhat unnecessary, especially if Bayindir goes.
Defenders
Victor Lindelof - Go
If there's a team out there that will take him for a good fee than we should be selling the Swedish defender who has dealt with fitness issues over the past year.
Harry Maguire - Stay
The English defender has turned things around after a tumultous spell a year and a half ago when he receieved constant abuse and made somewhat of a scapegoat. He's reportedly in talks over a contract extension and he's been a standout performer under Amorim.
Lisandro Martinez - Stay
If you were to assess Martinez's situation a year ago he'd be one of the must-keeps as he was excellent during his first season. He's stumbled since a serious foot injury in 2023 and he's not safe from the axe. But the Argentine has ability to bounce back but the jury is out.
Tyrell Malacia - Go
Unfortunately Malacia's lengthy spell on the sidelines has been consequential as he's lacked form since returning this season. He's struggled at left wing-back and Amorim dropped him from his squad altogether in a 2-0 loss to Wolves (December 26).
Diogo Dalot - Go
Dalot falls into a similar category to that of Martinez as he was one of the first names on the United teamsheet a year ago. Fast forward a year, and he just hasn't suited Amorim's system. Relevo reports that Real Madrid are interested, and if an enticing offer is made and a suitable replacement is found it's time to cash in.
Luke Shaw - Go
It's highly unlikely Shaw will be sold in January, but given his injury record, if a market opportunity arises, he should be. The England international just can't stay fit and talk of a move for Inter Milan's Federico Dimarco (per GIVEMESPORT) could be a sign United have lost patience.
Jonny Evans - Stay
The Northern Irishman returned to United as a backup option whose experience would be key for the club. He's played more than expected but actually hasn't put a foot wrong when called upon.
Harry Amass - Stay
It's still surprising to see Amass struggle to break into the first team given United's struggles at left wing-back. Malacia is underperforming and Shaw is sidelined which should have led to the youngster being handed an opportunity by now.
Leny Yoro - Stay
The French teenager arrived at Old Trafford with his stock sky high after United beat Madrid to his signature. He suffered a nightmare injury during pre-season but has since returned to action under Amorim and he's one for the future.
Noussair Mazraoui - Stay
Manchester United's best signing of the season can rest assured his future lies at Old Trafford. Amorim made that clear with a glowing verdict of the versatile Moroccan.
Matthijs de Ligt - Stay
The Dutchman received unjustifiable criticism at the start of the season but has silenced his doubters with consistent performances. No chance he departs in January, and if he does then INEOS are really determined to shed the squad of any Ten Hag input.
Midfielders
Toby Collyer - Stay
The young English midfielder has been given odd appearances this season and caught the eye in those outings. He's another one for the future and it will be interesting to see him play in Amorim's system.
Mason Mount - Go
It's been a nightmare for Mount since joining United from Chelsea in the summer of 2023 as he just can't stay fit. It's unfortunate to say, but if an offer were to arrive for the English midfielder, then it might just be time to bite the bullet and sell for the benefit of the player and the club.
Bruno Fernandes - Stay
The Portuguese playmaker has been given pelters over his perceived poor leadership, but he's one of the best creative players at the club. Amorim wasn't too happy with his sending off against Wolves but he was only handed a new contract last summer, and selling would only further give United problems going forward.
Christian Eriksen - Go
The veteran Dane is way past his peak, and it's already assumed he'll leave when his contract expires at the end of the season. For United to spend this January, he could be one to offload.
Casemiro - Go
The former Madrid superstar appeared to have been given a second chance in United's starting XI when Amorim first arrived. His game time has decreased over the Christmas period, and his high wages make him a must-sell if a reasonable offer is made.
Kobbie Mainoo - Stay
The Red Devils' wonderkid is probably wondering why it's just not happening for him this season. He needs to refind the form from last term that made him such a celebrated talent, and his future certainly lies with his boyhood club.
Manuel Ugarte - Stay
Of all the United squad assembled before Amorim's arrival, the Uruguayan midfielder would likely be most pleased as he reunited with his former Sporting CP boss. He's also been one of minor positives during the start of his head coach's reign.
Forwards
Rasmus Hojlund - Stay
Signing a new prolific forward should be a priority for United this winter if an opportunity presents itself. This will put Hojlund under pressure amid a frustrating spell at Old Trafford thus far. He has ability but should he be a starter? We don't think so.
Marcus Rashford - Go
It looks as though Amorim has already made his mind up about Rashford who has sat out every squad since United's 2-1 win over Manchester City (December 15). He's also suggested he wants out and of all the players in the squad he might fetch the best fee to help the necessary rebuild.
Amad Diallo - Stay
The Ivorian has cemented himself as a regular starter with inspired performances, including against City. His work rate and humility are characteristics that Amorim loves and will want to keep.
Antony - Go
You can't really fault Antony's passion for United as he appears to love the club. As for his ability after arriving in an £85 million deal there is little escaping he's flopped. A sale must be on the horizon.
Alejandro Garnacho - Stay
The Argentine teenager is the toughest decision to make because he's come off the boil under Amorim and there appears to be a disconnect between the player and the mentality his manager wants to see. But he was viewed as the club's future a season ago and maybe Amorim needs more time working with the youngster to get his head screwed on.
Joshua Zirkzee - Go
The Dutch forward has failed to reach expectations since arriving from Bologna last summer. It's as though United misprofiled the forward and a return to Serie A makes sense especially if he were to be used in a swap deal to save money.