Manchester United’s Outcasts Told to Train After 5PM as Rashford, Garnacho & Others Await Transfer Clarity

At Carrington, Manchester United’s training ground, a silent divide has taken shape. While new manager Ruben Amorim gears up for a fresh chapter with his first-team squad, a group of high-profile stars—Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Antony, and Tyrell Malacia—find themselves on the sidelines, reporting for duty only after the sun begins to set.

This unusual instruction, asking the out-of-favour quintet to begin their training after 5pm, comes as the club seeks to distance them from Amorim’s core group while assessing their futures in the transfer market.

A Clear Message from Amorim

The decision to schedule separate training hours—well after the main squad’s sessions—makes one thing glaringly clear: these players are not in Amorim’s immediate plans. Sources close to the club suggest this isn’t just about creating space, but about protecting the dressing room’s energy and direction under the Portuguese tactician.

Each of the five was granted an extended break earlier this month, presumably to sort out uncertain futures. Yet, the training ground remained open for their personal use—only Rashford was seen taking advantage of that opportunity, training alone and away from the group.

Rashford Eyes a Spanish Escape

Among the names cast into the twilight training shift, Marcus Rashford stands out—not just for his history with the club, but also for his growing frustration. Following a brief loan spell at Aston Villa, Rashford, now 27, is believed to be pursuing a move abroad, with Barcelona monitoring him closely after their Nico Williams deal fell through.

Rashford’s camp has denied suggestions that he requested to leave, insisting he would have reported for regular training had he been given the green light. Regardless, the writing seems to be on the wall.

Garnacho’s Premier League Preference

Arguably the most surprising name on this list is Alejandro Garnacho, one of United’s most promising young talents. The Argentine winger is said to prefer staying in the Premier League, despite long-standing interest from Chelsea.

While it’s unclear if a sale is imminent, Garnacho’s involvement in post-5pm training suggests that even youth and potential can’t guarantee favour under Amorim if it conflicts with his vision for the squad.

Antony, Sancho & Malacia: Unwanted and Unsettled

For Antony, Jadon Sancho, and Tyrell Malacia, the situation is murkier. All three spent parts of last season on loan—Antony at Real Betis, Sancho at Chelsea, and Malacia at PSV—and their performances failed to resurrect their reputations.

The club reportedly remains open to offloading them, with sales crucial if United are to pursue further reinforcements beyond their current top target: Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo.

Yet, like Rashford and Garnacho, these players’ representatives insist they haven’t pushed for exits, even as club sources claim otherwise. The truth likely lies somewhere in between: a mutual desire for clarity, but no easy pathway forward.

Training in the Shadows

The exile doesn’t end with weekday isolation. The five players have also been asked to attend training over the weekend, even as the main squad flies to Stockholm for a pre-season friendly against Leeds United.

Next week, Amorim and his chosen 25-man squad will head to the United States for the Premier League Summer Series, taking on West Ham, Bournemouth, and Everton, before returning home to face Fiorentina at Old Trafford on August 9.

The excluded five will remain behind in Manchester, continuing their after-hours preparation in hopes that a new opportunity arises—whether at Old Trafford or beyond.

Why This Approach?

United’s quiet marginalization of these players is not without precedent. Many top clubs isolate transfer-listed players to avoid dressing room disruption, especially during pivotal pre-season periods. However, this move also risks alienating key talents, particularly if potential exits fall through and reintegration becomes necessary.

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