Before taking the job in November last year, Ruben Amorim was told, in no uncertain terms, that three players were not for sale as he prepared to take over at Manchester United. How times have changed.

It is just over 11 months since United expressed their delight at the appointment of Amorim, who was described by the club as "one of the most exciting and highly-rated young coaches in Europe".

Following an especially difficult period under Erik ten Hag, there was a significant amount of optimism from fans and players, with Amorim's track record at former club Sporting being hailed by many.

But as he nears his first anniversary in charge, things are looking bleak. In fact, Amorim has lost 17 games out of a possible 33 in the Premier League since taking the job, a win rate of just 27.3 per cent.

To add further misery, United have scored 39 goals and conceded 53 across those 33 league games, something the 40-year-old would have presumably thought impossible in those opening weeks in charge.

Ruben Amorim has lost 17 out of 33 Premier League games. Image: Getty

Amorim was welcomed by a group of young players hailed as United's future for years to come, with Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund and Kobbie Mainoo being ringfenced as 'not for sale' by the club in October, as per The Guardian.

Garnacho and Mainoo were standout performers during the 2023/24 campaign as they enhanced their reputation with goals in the FA Cup final against Manchester City.

Rasmus Hojlund, a summer signing from Serie A side Atalanta in 2023, also ended his debut season as a United player with 16 goals.

But almost a year after the trio were deemed indispensable and an out-of-favour Mainoo is the only player at Amorim's disposal, with Garnacho and Hojlund leaving this summer.

Garnacho, who was frozen out at United by Amorim, signed for Chelsea in a deal worth £40 million, while Hojlund joined Napoli on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy for £38 million if the Italian club qualify for next season's Champions League.

Garnacho speaks out on Ruben Amorim treatment before Chelsea move

Having fallen out of favour with Amorim, a frustrated Garnacho made his feelings clear after he was benched for their Europa League final clash against Spurs in May.

"Up until the final, I played every round helping the team, and today I play 20 minutes, I don't know,” he said.

It was later reported that Garnacho was then told to find a new club by Amorim before becoming part of the club’s so-called ‘bomb squad’ alongside Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, Antony and Tyrell Malacia.

He later joined Chelsea and on Tuesday, Garnacho spoke about his final days as a United player.

Speaking to TNT Sports after their Champions League clash with Benfica, he said: “I think it was a difficult moment there, just training alone. But I have nothing bad to say about the club, my old club Manchester United."

He added: “It was just a bad moment in life, but now I’m very happy to be here and to play in this competition and to get the three points today.”