Manchester United legend Nicky Butt has called for a major squad overhaul under new manager Ruben Amorim, naming five players he believes the club should offload—including Mason Mount.
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Amorim took charge at Old Trafford last month after Erik ten Hag was sacked due to poor performances. Despite winning domestic cups under Ten Hag, United’s Premier League form was dismal, leaving them 14th in the table when the Dutchman departed.
Optimism briefly returned after a commanding 4-0 victory over Everton in Amorim’s second game, but setbacks quickly followed with losses to Arsenal and Nottingham Forest. A thrilling comeback win against Manchester City lifted spirits temporarily, yet United then suffered three consecutive defeats—exiting the Carabao Cup to Tottenham before being humbled by Bournemouth and Wolves without scoring a goal.
The Red Devils remain stuck in 14th place, trailing Premier League leaders Liverpool by 20 points and sitting just eight points above the relegation zone. Amorim has urged patience as he attempts to implement his philosophy but is expected to make significant squad changes during the January window and next summer.
Speaking to talkSPORT, six-time Premier League winner Nicky Butt suggested United should part ways with several underperforming stars. Among them is Mason Mount, who joined from Chelsea for £60m in the summer of 2023 but has failed to deliver. The 25-year-old has been plagued by injuries, making only 14 league appearances last season and starting just four games this campaign before another injury setback.
Butt also believes midfield veterans Casemiro and Christian Eriksen should be moved on. Casemiro, a five-time Champions League winner, has struggled to maintain form since the second half of last season, with critics like Jamie Carragher suggesting he may no longer be suited to top-tier football.
Eriksen, while occasionally contributing with goals, appears insufficient for a team aiming to reclaim its former dominance.
Goalkeeper Andre Onana, who joined United from Inter Milan for £47m, has also come under fire. Despite helping Inter reach the Champions League final last season, Onana has been error-prone, with his latest mistake coming in the defeat to Wolves.
Finally, Butt highlighted the need to replace Jonny Evans. While the 36-year-old defender has put in some solid performances, his age makes him an unlikely long-term solution for United’s defensive issues.
Manchester United’s December woes are unlikely to ease anytime soon, with a tough schedule ahead. They face an in-form Newcastle United on Monday night before traveling to Anfield to take on league leaders Liverpool. An FA Cup third-round clash with Arsenal looms after that, posing yet another significant challenge for Amorim’s struggling side.
As the pressure mounts, it’s clear that major changes will be required if Manchester United hope to salvage their season.
