Ruben Amorim steps in and ‘blocks’ Man Utd from selling player in first big squad decision as manager – Man Utd

Ruben Amorim has reportedly taken his first major decision as Manchester United manager by ‘blocking’ the sale of a player.

Amorim officially took charge at Old Trafford on Monday after serving out his notice period at Sporting Lisbon.

One of the 39-year-old’s first tasks was to meet with his non-international first team players, while he was also shown on a guided tour of Old Trafford and the club’s Carrington training ground.

In his first official interview, Amorim stressed that he wanted to ‘have fun and win‘ as his two key principles while in charge.

He will be in the United dugout for the first time next Sunday when the 13th-placed side travel to Portman Road to take on Ipswich Town in the Premier League.

Despite only being in the role for a matter of days, meanwhile, Amorim has already taken a significant decision.

Reports from the Manchester Evening News suggested that he was considering whether to call up 16-year-old winger Bendito Mantato to the first team as a potential wing-back option on both sides.

That indicated that Amorim is prepared to place trust in United’s youth talent – and he wants to keep hold of another top prospect.

According to Football Insider, the 39-year-old and United have made clear that they do not want 17-year-old left-back Harry Amass to leave Old Trafford amid reported interest from Aston Villa.

Man Utd defender Harry Amass pictured (Image: Getty)

Amass has trained with the first team this season and has been named in the matchday squad previously.

It was claimed that United staff, including previous manager Erik ten Hag, were cautious about introducing him to senior football on a regular basis, meaning he did not play in the Premier League despite an injury crisis in his position.

But United are said to view him as a key player for the future with ‘huge potential’, and expect him to be able to fit into Amorim’s new system.

Should Amass impress Amorim in training this week, he could find himself involved in the squad to travel to Ipswich with both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia still unavailable through injury.