Manchester United's so-called "Bomb Squad" members appear set to remain away from Old Trafford permanently, even following Ruben Amorim's dismissal as manager on Monday.
Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Rasmus Hojlund and Andre Onana were all permitted to depart on temporary deals during Amorim's 14-month spell in charge.
However, the Portuguese coach's exit is unlikely to alter their futures at the club.
A source told The Sun: "These were decisions led by the club rather than the manager."
Senior figures at United determined that changes to the squad room atmosphere were necessary, meaning the quartet's Old Trafford careers appear finished regardless of who occupies the dugout.
Rashford found the net in Amorim's opening fixture against Ipswich back in November 2024, yet quickly fell down his manager's pecking order.
The 28-year-old was omitted from the Manchester derby squad the following month, with his manager publicly questioning his attitude.
Manchester United's so-called "Bomb Squad" members appear set to remain away from Old Trafford permanently, even following Ruben Amorim's dismissal as manager on Monday
|GETTY
Amorim went as far as stating he would select his goalkeeping coach ahead of "a player who doesn't give the maximum every day".
The England international initially joined Aston Villa on loan during the January window before securing a summer move to Barcelona, where the Spanish club hold an option to purchase him for approximately £30m.
His Spanish adventure has reignited his career, with seven goals and eight assists across 25 matches this campaign.
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Jadon Sancho isn't expected to get a second chance at Man Utd
| PASancho's United tenure has been equally turbulent, with his difficulties predating Amorim's arrival.
The winger clashed with former boss Erik ten Hag, resulting in a loan return to his previous club Borussia Dortmund.
A subsequent switch to Chelsea followed, though the Blues opted against triggering their purchase clause, instead paying a £5m penalty to avoid signing him permanently.
Now stationed at Villa Park, Sancho has failed to establish himself in the side.
United's hierarchy are planning to offload him when the summer transfer window opens.
His situation mirrors that of his fellow outcasts, with the club's determination to reshape their squad culture taking precedence over any managerial preferences.
Ruben Amorim was sacked by Manchester United on Monday after falling out with the club's hierarchy
| GETTYHojlund's temporary switch to Napoli has proven far more successful, with the Danish striker netting nine times for the Serie A outfit.
The Italian club are obligated to complete a permanent £38m transfer should they secure Champions League qualification.
Notably, the forward "liked" a social media post announcing Darren Fletcher's appointment as United's new manager following Amorim's departure.
Goalkeeper Onana, who arrived from Inter Milan in 2023 for £47m, currently plies his trade at Turkish side Trabzonspor.
The Super Lig club hold no obligation to make his move permanent, though the Cameroonian has doubled his wages in Turkey.
Onana has declared himself "very happy" with his new employers.