Amorim’s United Rebuild
Can Ruben Amorim translate his success with Sporting CP to spearhead a Man Utd rebuild? Amorim entered Old Trafford in November 2024 with a burgeoning reputation, but it’s been a rocky ride.
From back to front, let’s examine the challenge facing Amorim in 2025 and beyond. Which players should stay, and who has no future at Old Trafford?
Goalkeeper Position
Since arriving with rave reviews from Inter Milan, Andre Onana has failed to convince. Conceding 40 goals in 29 matches so far this season.
The Cameroon international uses smart distribution to kickstart attacks. But at 28, he needs to start showing consistency to keep the jersey.
Turkey’s Altay Bayindir and veteran Tom Heaton are solid backup keepers. With limited funds available, Amorim may prioritise other positions.
Goalkeeping verdict: Onana will remain number one unless a big-money offer comes in from Saudi Arabia.
Defence
Defensive flaws showed early in Amorim’s reign. Witness a chastening 3-0 defeat to Liverpool in September 2024, followed by humiliations to Tottenham, Bournemouth, and Newcastle.
Even so, Amorim will keep three central defenders flanked by wing backs.
Central Defence
New signings Matthijs De Ligt (£42.9 million) and Leny Yoro (£52 million) have taken time to settle. However, the defence has shown signs of solidity against Liverpool and Arsenal at the start of 2025.
Harry Maguire has rediscovered some form, yet lacks pace and mobility. Johnny Evans brings experience in the middle, but he’s not a long-term solution. The January 2025 signing of Andrey Heaven is one for the future.
The Martinez-Yoro-De Ligt trio looks the most solid, with Maguire as a backup.
Full Backs/Wing Backs
Amorim has sent Tyrell Malacia on loan to PSV. And Luke Shaw is often injured on the left side. Thus, Diogo Dalot, Noussair Mazraoui, and Amad Diallo have patrolled the flanks.
New recruit Patrick Dorgu has added much-needed depth. He can cover both the left and right sides. Still, a specialist right wing-back would improve the squad’s balance.
Defensive verdict: Shaw, Malacia, and Evans are to go. A new right wing-back is to arrive.
Midfield
The current midfield is creaking and lacks dynamism. Let’s discover its strengths and weaknesses.
Central Midfield
Erik Ten Haag’s decision to offload Scott McTominay last year left the midfield light on energy. The ageing Christian Eirksen and Casemiro look too slow against fast, physical opposition.
The midfield future looks bright. Kobbie Mainoo and Toby Collier are growing in experience. But right now, both lack the presence and stature to dominate the centre.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is world-class and capable of match-winning moments. Manuel Ugarte offers energy and knows the Amorim style of play. He’s become an essential holding midfielder.
Further forward, Mason Mount still has much to prove. Mount is versatile across number 8 and 10 roles on paper, with pressing and energy to suit the new style. But he needs to return injury-free and get a run of games.
The 2025-2026 pre-season will no doubt see midfield reinforcements.
Midfield verdict: Eriksen to leave. Fernandes is to be tempted by a potential big-money move (Real Madrid?). Collyer and Mainoo (if he stays) continue to mature—a holding player signs.
Forwards
United seem to have plenty of talent upfront, yet lack experience and finesse.
Can Amorim help Rasmus Hojland to discover confidence in front of goal? Likewise, Alejandro Garnacho and Joshua Zirkzee. There’s plenty of toil and earnest effort. But after letting Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial leave on loan, they desperately need firepower. Potential options include Viktor Gyokeres, Victor Osihmen, or Alexander Isak.
Forward verdict: An experienced number 9 joins. Zirkzee flourishes.
Outlook
Under Ten Haag, the team lacked a coherent tactical identity, making it too easy to play against. If nothing else, Amorim’s 3-4-3 formation offers clarity, even if some wins have been lucky—such as the 2-1 derby victory at Man City.
Expect more suffering for the Red Devils, with a potential upswing into the 2025-2026 campaign. In the meantime, the board and supporters must be patient with Amorim’s Man Utd rebuild.
The boss may need to offload Alejandro Garnacho and/or Kobbie Mainoo to reshape the squad. A right wing-back, holding midfielder, and proven striker are priority signings. Whatever happens, the next 12 months promise to be captivating viewing.
