MU close to finalising 2 January exits as Ruben Amorim continues squad overhaul

Manchester United are ready to loan out more of their young talent this month with a host of clubs interested.

Ruben Amorim is still getting a read on his squad but the Red Devils are keen for their academy talents to get exposure to regular football - and that means leaving Old Trafford. Ethan Williams is heading out to a League Two side with a move expected to be finalised imminently.

United are keen for Williams to head to the fourth tier, citing that as the ideal level for his development, despite there being interest from League One sides Leyton Orient and Stockport County.

The teenager has trained with the United first team, which came after he penned his first professional contract at the club back in July 2024. This term, at youth level, he's come up with six goal contributions in just nine appearances across all competitions

Another youngster heading out on a temporary basis is Ethan Wheatley. He's been a key figure for the U21 and U18 outfits but no suitor has yet been sourced, reports the Daily Mail. He is not short of admirers with a host of teams lower down the football pyramid looking to add goals.

The Manchester outfit are looking to take their time with certain loans after seeing several of their young players head out, only to get occasional minutes. That doesn't serve their development and they want to ensure those they let go are playing regularly.

The club have seen a number of their young players prosper as a result of loan spells away. Defender Sonny Aljofree is continuing to impress at Accrington Stanley whilst goalkeeper Elyh Harrison was thriving at non-league Chester and has since been recalled.

United could yet sanction a headline exit in the coming weeks with Marcus Rashford heavily linked with the exit door. He's out of favour under Amorim and hasn't been seen since being dropped before the Manchester derby win back in December.

A host of clubs from around Europe have registered their interest - AC Milan and Monaco among them. They are seeking a loan agreement with Rashford's huge wages a potential issue. Amorim has given no assurances that the player will appear under him again.