Man Utd legend backs Ruben Amorim over five-man bomb squad who 'simply have to leave'

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim's hard line stance with his petulant stars has been backed to lead the club back to the glory days of the past.

Amorim has banned five United players – Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Tyrrell Malacia – from returning to the club for pre-season training.

All five want to leave and Amorim does not want their negative influence around the squad, so has told them to stay away until United's squad have left for their pre-season tour of the US.

Amorim's ruthless approach has been backed by former United defender David May, who said he is right to get rid of players who put their own egos ahead of the interests of the team.

“I think this manager is perfect for the club,” said May, who won the Treble with United in 1999. “I like what he does, how he speaks and I think the club is in really good hands with him.

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“It's just the players and the mentality of some of them, who simply have to leave. You need players who will run through brick walls and who won't question, but will just get on with it.

“You can question certain things, but go and see the manager if you've not played, have it out in his office. Don't do it in the press or on social media. You see some of the stuff that's out there and it's so disrespectful, what some of the players are doing.

“You look at some of the players and their body language, and I think I'd much rather have 10 average players who will work their socks off than these prima-donnas who don't care.

“It's only when you leave the club, as a player, that you think 'wow, that is such a special place'. To be part of it, to have 70,000 people behind you, week-in, week-out, is the best feeling ever.

“These players have to realise that. I spoke to Ruben and he said 'the club is amazing, it's so special, but I feel I'm betraying the fans because I'm not getting the results'.

“I told him every fan I know absolutely loves what he's doing and he said 'nothing will change until the mentality changes' and he's spot-on.”

United ended last season in 15th place, their lowest finish of the Premier League era, while defeat to Tottenham in the Europa League final means no European football for only the second time in 35 years.

But May, who is climbing Snowdon next month to raise funds for the Manchester United Foundation, reckons the absence of European football could work in the team's favour. “Sometimes you have to hit rock-bottom – and I think we are at rock-bottom,” said May.

“But I think it's a blessing in disguise. You just have to concentrate on the league every week and not worry about Europe. Ruben can focus on starting the season well. We've got a great opening game, at home to Arsenal, and it's important we get off on the right foot.

“This pre-season is all about getting the right players in and certain players out. Matheus Cunha, there's something about him, he's a bit like Eric Cantona. He has that nastiness about him. United need that and I'm sure the fans will absolutely adore him. The fact Bryan Mbeumo said he wants to come here – how good is that to hear? He's not coming for the money.

“I don't see any reason why we can't be pushing for the top four next season. There are no distractions with Europe, it's just a case of focusing on every league game. You can't have any excuses and you can't feel tired, because you're not playing every three or four days like last season.”

David May is climbing Snowdon on August 2 to raise money for the Manchester United Foundation. Fans can sign up to join him here www.mufoundation.org/snowdon