Manchester United 1-3 Brighton: Ruben Amorim says this is ‘maybe the worst team in Man Utd’s history’

It is clear that a major rebuilding exercise is required to make United competitive again and, if possible, a significant number of players will leave.

Spanish club Real Betis are among a number of clubs trying to sign Brazilian winger Antony, at £81.3 million, the second most expensive player in the club’s history.

It has also been reported that Dutch defender Tyrell Malacia is attracting interest from within and outside the Premier League. Christian Eriksen and Victor Lindelof are both expected to leave when their contracts expire this summer.

Casemiro would be released if a suitable offer arrives for the 32-year-old, United’s highest earner at £375,000 a week, who has not played a single minute since the 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle on December 30 .

Marcus Rashford is also set to be released, with Amorim saying: “It’s his choice, Rashford is out at the moment. I’m not going to put a player out, I don’t think it’s best for the team.”

United have spurned Napoli’s interest in Alejandro Garnacho, but other clubs, including Chelsea, are keen on the 20-year-old.

The club said it was not encouraging bids for its salable assets, which include England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, but needed to raise funds if Amorim wanted to attract players who could suit its system.

And then there’s goalkeeper Andre Onana, who continued his stellar performance against Southampton on Thursday by gifting Brighton’s third goal by inexplicably failing to hold onto the ball as he slipped to collect a routine cross.

“It’s like the team, ups and downs,” Amorim said of Onana’s performance. “Really high highs and lows.”

If there is any glimmer of hope, it is the imminent signing of 17-year-old Paraguayan defender Diego Leon.

Leon’s capture could signal a renewed global focus on talented young players rather than continually spending huge sums on players with questionable track records, which is the strategy that has brought the club to their current position.