Manchester United’s scouting and transfers have become a joke over the years, critics and some (desperate) fans often point out. The “Ajax-oriented” signings of Erik Ten Hag haven’t helped either, they argue, pointing out that the club has failed to offload the stars they want in recent transfer windows.

With 39-year-old Ruben Amorim set to take over as the former Premier League champions’ new coach, the Portuguese has clearly been told to do whatever he wants with the current squad, with the exception of three young talents…

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That’s right. According to a news report, Manchester United have told Amorim, who arrives from Lisbon-based Sporting CP to replace Ten Hag, that he is free to do whatever he wants with anyone in the current lineup, except for these three players who cannot be sold at any price.

Who are the Manchester United untouchables?

The word “young” helps get a lot of names out of the way. Obviously Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Andre Onana are no longer young, nor are captain Bruno Fernandes or Marcus Rashford. Who then are these three gentlemen who have become important to the decision-makers at Old Trafford?

According to SportBible, Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund and Kobbie Mainoo are the three who are “out of the question” for Amorim.

19-year-old English midfielder Mainoo is a United Academy product. Mainoo was spotted at the age of nine and joined the United ranks. He signed his first professional contract with the club in the 2022/23 season. In March 2024, Mainoo was called up to the national team after performing well for England at under-17, under-18 and under-19 levels. Since his debut, the teenage sensation of Ghanaian origin has made a total of 32 appearances for United.

Rasmus Hojlund

Rasmus Hojlund from Denmark, 21, came to Theater of Dreams from Serie A club Atalanta in 2023. The striker has scored 11 goals in 35 games across all competitions for United so far and is considered the next big thing from Scandinavia after Manchester City’s Erling Haaland. Injuries prevented Hojlund from performing consistently under Erik Ten Hag after he arrived from Italy for an initial fee of £64m plus £8m in performance-related add-ons. The latest reports suggest that United believe Hojlund can, under the right guidance, live up to the legacy of Wayner Rooney, Ruud van Nistelrooy or even Cristiano Ronaldo.

Alejandro Garnacho

Argentine Garnacho (20) is the highest rated of the three varieties. The 2024 Copa America winner idolizes Cristiano despite coming from Lionel Messi’s country. Madrid-born Garnacho started out at Getafe before moving to Atletico Madrid in 2015. However, United won £420,000 in prize money and reached England in 2020. Since making his senior debut in 2020, Alejandro Garnacho has often become the only player of light for fans in the otherwise complete darkness. His daring runs through the wings, curling balls and CR7-like celebrations have brightened up the dull stands at Old Trafford on several occasions. Garnacho has developed from super substitute to regular player and has played 66 times for United, scoring 12 goals.

What is happening at Manchester United?

On October 28th, Manchester United fired their coach Erik ten Hag. The news broke a day after the former champions’ 2-1 defeat to West Ham United in England’s top flight, which dropped them to 14th in the table. Manchester United assistant coach and former striker Ruud van Nistelrooy will take charge on an interim basis while they search for a new coach, the club said in a statement.

Erik ten Hag, appointed in April 2022, led United to two domestic trophies – the 2023 League Cup and the 2024 FA Cup. But the 54-year-old’s job was the subject of speculation for most of last season as United faced a dire crisis suffered. The Dutchman always finished eighth in the Premier League and was eliminated from the Champions League in the group stage. This season the Dutchman was once again firmly in the hot seat despite a miserable start. United have won four of their 14 games in all competitions so far this season, suffering 3-0 defeats to Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford. They have picked up 11 points from nine Premier League games, which the club say is well short of their target of reaching fourth place.

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When British billionaire and INEOS chairman Jim Ratcliffe took over football operations last season, the club initially stuck with Ten Hag to ensure continuity in the manager’s position during a time of change, but United saw no momentum or progress to believe that they were on the right way. A poor start to the season also resulted in United drawing their first three Europa League games while maintaining a winning position.

Latest reports suggest the Red Devils will have to pay a €10m release clause for Ruben Amorim to become the new coach at Old Trafford. Sporting also confirmed that they had received a formal communication from the English club.