If Ruben Amorim is right, and this is the worst Manchester United team in history, there must be players in the squad who are playing for their futures at the club.

Rumours and requests for transfers have swelled around a multitude of positions in Amorim’s squad, with fans demanding improvements in all areas of the pitch.

It’s glaringly obvious that Amorim can’t hold out for a singular silver bullet, but the gauntlet laid down in his post-Brighton press conference already represents a last gasp call to action to his current crop of players. If they are to have futures at Old Trafford, the following in particular must put their hands up and respond.

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Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw

In Amorim’s 3-4-3, Diogo Dalot looks lost. His attacking output is considerably sub-par, having failed to provide a goal contribution under the new manager, with his passing stats dropping below the 50th percentile in terms of accuracy in the league.

Most problematically, however, his crossing stats make bleak viewing, with his four successful crosses in the league this season representing a 12% completion rate which falls far below the average of players in his position.

His defensive output does show an improvement, but Amorim’s trusted system just doesn’t suit the Portuguese fullback and to ensure a future, with interest in Lecce left-back Patrick Dorgu building, Dalot needs to step up.

He is, however, in a considerably stronger position than his positional rival, Luke Shaw, who has not played since December 1st and isn’t expected back until February. Whilst he has proven pedigree playing at wingback, patience with him inside and out of Carrington is wearing very thin.

He will need to perform at his very best once back fit to justify a future at the club.

Casemiro and Christian Eriksen

With Manuel Ugarte’s gradual improvement in form, and Kobbie Mainoo’s deserved place in the starting XI, time is undoubtedly ticking for the two 32-year-olds.

They have both featured in just six games, incidentally the same ones since Amorim’s arrival, and have spent the majority of their time bench warming, with minutes allocated to Toby Collyer in each of United’s last three games instead.

Eriksen’s contract expires this summer, and if anything is playing to bolster a contract at his next club should he get any minutes. If this is the worst team in United’s history, there’s a point of personal pride should Amorim turn to the Dane at all this season.

Casemiro’s case is a bit more complicated, with his contract expiring in 2026 with an option for an additional year. Jamie Carragher’s infamous “leave the football” criticism looms over his head, and former Chelsea and Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole told The Dressing Room podcast this week that Casemiro’s departure this month “makes sense”.

Should he feature, nothing less than his form of old will suffice in convincing Jim Ratcliffe and co to keep hold of the former Real Madrid superstar.

Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee

It’s a well-versed point but it stands nonetheless, strikers need to produce goals, and neither of these two are. At 21- and 23-years-old respectively, time is on their side but with Amorim’s jugular post-match comment set to stay attached to United for the foreseeable future, the youngsters will continue to be under high pressure.

An experienced striker makes a lot of sense for United right now, but it is doubtful Amorim will want three on the wage bill, especially when these two have combined for just five league goals all season.

There are corners of Old Trafford saying, perhaps in a sense of manifestation, that Zirkzee is improving but those sentiments won’t last if his lack of goal threat continues.

The same goes for Hojlund, if it’s one or the other, they’re both playing for their future.