Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has issued a stern warning to his players, stating that anyone who is detrimental to the team risk being shown the exit door this summer. The 40-year-old boss, who has struggled in his first three months at Old Trafford, has been given the green light by club executives to sell any player due to escalating financial worries.

Amorim, formerly of Sporting Lisbon, oversaw the loan departures of Marcus Rashford, Antony and Tyrell Malacia in January, all with options for permanent moves at the end of the season. However, he has hinted at a more extensive clear-out come July and August.

"I don't like to be ruthless just to show strength," the Portuguese boss explained. "If the team is trying, and I understand that they are trying but they cannot do it, I am not ruthless. But when I feel that it is something which is going to harm the team, then I am quite ruthless."

He further revealed that some players are already aware of their impending departure when the summer transfer window opens. He continued: "Everybody understands that in football sometimes you stay, sometimes you have to move on.

"If I know how to explain it, I will do so because I like to be clear. I was a player and like to use that experience - when you are honest with someone, they can take it. In the beginning maybe it is hard but they will understand. I'm quite honest with my players and sometimes they know they have to move on at the end of the season.

"We can talk about that in the end - now there are still a lot of games to play. But that is clear and not a difficult situation."

Any United players hoping to prove their worth to Amorim will likely be given an opportunity between now and the end of this season. The Red Devils are still both in the FA Cup and Europa League, though that could soon change over the coming days.

The Red Devils host Fulham on Sunday in a bid to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals before travelling to Spain to take on Real Sociedad on Thursday in the Europa League last 16.

This article originally appeared on Mirror