Published: 22:30, 12 January 2026 | Updated: 22:30, 12 January 2026

With Ruben Amorim now in Manchester United's rear view, there are a number of players in the squad who might not be begrudged the right to pop the champagne. 

Kobbie Mainoo is the first player who springs to mind, the talented young midfielder increasingly out in the cold under the Portuguese manager and now potentially looking to enjoy a return to the starting XI under interim manager Michael Carrick. 

Several of the academy rising stars might also be cheered, with Amorim seen to be less enthusiastic about Man United's tradition of promoting youngsters within the senior side at times. 

But some of those who might have been even more gleeful about his departure have already been offloaded permanently. Members of the 'bomb squad' like Antony, back in the warm embrace of Real Betis, and Alejandro Garnacho, now of rivals Chelsea. 

One player however has a foot in both camps. 

Iced out under Amorim just weeks after the forming Sporting Lisbon manager arrived at Old Trafford, last January saw...