A handful of players will become surplus to requirements as a result, while those who are ageing might be at risk of exiting, with Amorim traditionally operating with a younger squad at Sporting. For example, the average age of his back three in Portugal was 21.

Both Erik ten Hag and Ruud van Nistelrooy had to contend with several injury issues at Man United and the new manager will be hoping for more luck in that regard.