Rúben Amorim has left pundit baffled by Manchester United transfer decision – “I don’t get it!”

Rúben Amorim has left one pundit baffled following a Manchester United transfer decision he made during a tough January transfer window at Old Trafford.

Manchester United’s 2025 winter transfer window came under heavy scrutiny from fans after the club failed to strengthen key areas of Rúben Amorim’s squad.

While United reinforced their defence with the signings of Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven, the lack of attacking additions has left supporters frustrated.

Meanwhile, three first-team forwards—Marcus Rashford, Antony, and Ethan Wheatley—left on loan, along with several Academy players seeking more regular game time elsewhere. Tyrell Malacia was moved to PSV Eindhoven on loan.

One bright spot is the signing of highly rated left-back Diego Leon, who will officially join United on 1 July after completing the season with Cerro Porteño in Paraguay.

The Amorim decision that baffled Paul Merson

Almost all of United’s transfer moves in January were aimed at helping the club improve their summer finances, with high wages being offloaded while Rashford, Malacia, and Antony were all shipped out so they could perform and increase their values ahead of sales in the summer.

However, the decision to ship Rashford out – with reports stating this was a decision from Amorim – has baffled Sky Sports pundit and Former Arsenal footballer Paul Merson.

Merson explained that he feels Rashford would still be able to get into United’s team, which is a hard point to argue against considering the struggles of the current front line.

“Marcus Rashford is doing alright, better than I thought he would do,” Merson told Sky Sports of the Villa winger. “He would get in Manchester United’s team every day of the week so I still don’t get it!”

Rashford suffers the consequence of a new era

It is no secret that the reason for United’s current struggles boils down to a series of horrendous decisions made by those at the top in the last decade.

Rashford’s story at United is the embodiment of what the club stands for, as he is a childhood fan who rose through the ranks in the Academy to make his debut for the first team, score over 100 goals for the club, and win trophies.

Read More: Five Manchester United stars tipped to survive Rúben Amorim cull, but one has ‘agreed to leave’ this summer

However, with United having made poor decisions around him and a very talented crop of young players, the relationship and story turned sour, and it is best for all parties that the winger moves on this summer.

United no doubt see his pending sale as a significant one as any money made will be pure profit and their books and keep United far from breaching profit and sustainability rules punishments.

Merson can be bemused at the decision, but Amorim has a track record of gutting squads of personalities that he feels weigh the team down, and this, combined with United’s need for fresh finances, means there was little other choice.

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