Manchester United: Relegation ‘a possibility’ says Ruben Amorim

Four teams have been relegated in the Premier League era after being in United’s current 14th place at the turn of the year. Leeds were the last two seasons ago.

Of course, it may not come to that, but given the events at Old Trafford, it may need an injection of new players when the transfer window opens on January 1.

That aside, there is a lack of cash at a club that lost £113.2m in the financial year to June 2024.

“We don’t have that opportunity in January if we don’t take some players (out),” Amorim said. “You know the situation better than I do.

“It’s not like I arrive here and know I can spend money to change the team.”

Selling players may be an option.

But what is the market for Casemiro, a Brazilian legend at Real Madrid but now a passenger in the Premier League with 18 months left on his contract?

Or Joshua Zirkzee, who signed from Bologna this summer for £36.5m on a five-year deal, but lasted just 33 minutes of this mess before being replaced by Kobbie Mainoo to huge applause from the home fans.

“It was a very difficult moment,” Amorim said. “He’s human.”

Zirkzee returned to the bench to a more appreciative response after a trip to the dressing room, but how does Amorim find a valuable place in his squad for the Dutch international.

And then there’s Marcus Rashford. The England striker returned to the starting line-up after a four-game absence but remained on the bench as United lost their fourth game in a row in all competitions and their third straight league game without a goal.

Amorim said he wasn’t making a point – but if Rashford can’t get a place in this team, his coach really can’t have a high opinion of him.

“I think about the team, you think about Marcus a lot,” he said afterwards. “I just want to win the game.”