By Matija Šerić
It can be said that Amorim has launched a thorough restructuring of Man United, all with the goal of having players at his disposal who can fit into his preferred 3-4-3 system. In practice, this means that all players who do not fit into the Portuguese manager’s plans—either in terms of playing style or character—must leave the club, while those capable of carrying out his vision must arrive. In other words, Amorim has to offload a group of players worth several hundred million euros in order to bring in another group of players worth hundreds of millions of euros. And that process is already well underway.
A Restructuring Worth a Fortune
Just during the current summer transfer window, the club has lost top players such as Marcus Rashford, Christian Eriksen, and Victor Lindelöf, along with Toby Collyer, Ethan Wheatley, Jonny Evans, and Daniel Gore. And that’s not the end of the departures—Tyrell Malacia, Antony, Zirkzee, Jadon Sancho, and Rasmus Højlund could all still leave, each of them phenomenal players. On the other hand, notable reinforcements have arrived: Benjamin Šeško, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Diego León. It’s a massive fortune being loaned out, sold, released on free transfers, and reinvested, all so that the Red Devils can finally get back on their feet. Critics will argue that it would have been better for the club to entrust another coach with the existing expensive squad in hopes of turning them into a winning team. That would indeed have been financially easier, but it’s not the path United chose to take.
ManU – Arsenal highlights
How Manchester Will Look This Season
The two key questions are: 1) how will United look this season, and 2) will Amorim succeed in restoring Manchester’s lost glory? The goalkeeper position is the weak point—the weakest link, in fact. André Onana, Altay Bayındır, and Tom Heaton hardly inspire confidence. Onana and Bayındır are both known for costly mistakes, while Heaton is a 39-year-old veteran. The best option would be for Amorim to sign a more reliable keeper, but it seems unlikely. Gianluigi Donnarumma would be an ideal solution.
The back three will likely consist of Matthijs de Ligt or Harry Maguire as central defender, with Lisandro Martínez and Leny Yoro on the left and right sides. At left wing-back, Patrick Dorgu or Diego León will get the nod, while the right wing-back spot will go to Diogo Dalot or Noussair Mazraoui.
In midfield, the central duo will be Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro, though the young Kobbie Mainoo could also get his chance. Still, United seem to lack a versatile “box-to-box” midfielder, since neither Casemiro nor Mainoo can consistently handle such a demanding role. Brighton’s Carlos Baleba had been mentioned as a possible signing, but that transfer looks doubtful. Amadou Onana from Aston Villa has also been linked, while Amorim himself would love to bring in Sporting’s Morten Hjulmand—a move that looks difficult, since reports suggest he is about to sign a new contract.
Up front, the attacking trio should consist of Cunha-Šeško-Mbeumo. These are fantastic forwards known for their mobility. Mason Mount could also float between midfield and the false nine role. The attack has the potential to be lethal, though it will take time for the forwards to gel, and that doesn’t happen overnight.
Matheus Cunha could be next top goalscorer of United
Time – The Resource Amorim Desperately Needs
Although United have some excellent players, only time will tell if Ruben Amorim can mold them into a side that wins week in and week out. One advantage is that they aren’t playing in Europe this season, meaning they’ll have more time to rest, though their early Premier League schedule is tough. In Matchweek 4 they face Manchester City away, followed by Chelsea at Old Trafford in Matchweek 5.
Despite losing their opening game against Arsenal due to an individual error by goalkeeper Bayındır, the performance was promising. The downside was the lack of clear-cut chances created. That game itself reflects the current state of the club. The conclusion is that Amorim can achieve results if given enough time, though plenty of painful defeats are to be expected early on. The club has stated that the season’s goal is European qualification next year. United are expected to finish within the top six or seven in the Premier League, securing European football—something that could also be achieved by winning a domestic cup. With the current squad, Amorim should be capable of reaching Europe.
Fortune Favors the Brave
Ultimately, United fans want the club to relive the glory days—fighting for the Premier League title every year and reaching the latter stages of the Champions League. The big question is whether Amorim can achieve this within two or three years. He just might, if given the time that Arsenal afforded Mikel Arteta, who has now been in charge for six years.
In any case, Amorim possesses advanced football knowledge, but whether it will translate into attractive football and major results remains highly uncertain. Perhaps it will all hinge on a single game that sparks a turning point—positive or negative. Amorim’s job is not easy. He needs time and patience for his project. It’s a difficult task, but the Red Devils need sweeping changes to regain their winning identity. Few would want to be in the shoes of the cheerful Portuguese manager. He is a bold football expert, and fortune favors the brave.
