Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim declares that he needs at least “one or two big players” during the summer window. The former Sporting CP boss succeeded Erik ten Hag at United after the Dutchman failed to rejuvenate the Manchester giant.
Ten Hag won the FA Cup last season but that only acted as a small delay to a long-talked departure. However, United management parted ways with Ten Hag in the middle of the current season after they continued to struggle.
Amorim’s arrival has not provided a major boost to the club as the squad he succeeded failed to adjust properly. The Portuguese coach plays vastly different tactics compared to Ten Hag and needs players of different profiles at the club.
Amorim deploys a 5-4-1 formation with multiple variations according to the phases of the game and the opponents he faces. However, certain aspects like three-man defence, attacking wingbacks and a key striker remain a constant under his style of play.
The current United squad have few players who are capable of adjusting to the new demands at the club. Furthermore, many of the players are surplus to the requirement either due to age or due to constant failure.
Some players have spent more time as injured than played regular games for the club, despite their qualities. Mason Mount and Luke Shaw have missed most of the last and the current season due to their respective injuries.
Speaking in the pre-match press conference (via YouTube), Amorim highlighted that he needs at least “one or two big players” at United during the summer. He said:
“Not just Manchester City but other teams, they are already in a place where we need a lot to catch them. I just want to focus on our strengths and use our club to bring one or two big players [in]. We are doing all the stuff to be so much better next season. If it is going to take four years [win the Premier League], I don’t know. Next season we need to be so much better.”
Two key areas to address
United let Marcus Rashford and Antony leave on loan during the January transfer window, diminishing the attacking options. Meanwhile, Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund have failed to lead the frontline at the club, while Alejandro Garnacho remains inconsistent.
The attacking department needs recruitment with a forward as the main priority and a potential place to immediately fill. As Amorim seeks a couple of big players for United this summer, there is no better place to start than the front.
Amorim deployed Viktor Gyokeres as his main man up front during his tenure at Sporting CP which brought much success. According to Metro, United have already approached the Portuguese club to sign the prolific forward but they face stern competition.
Another area for United to improve is the midfield with the ageing factor, injuries and inconsistencies bothering the club. Kobbie Mainoo has failed to impress Amorim enough to justify a huge contract as talks of selling him reluctantly surprised the fanbase.
Nevertheless, with Casemiro and Christian Eriksen regressing rapidly with age and Mount remaining Unreliable, United needs recruitment. United want Ederson from Atalanta and players like him, who understand midfielder’s requirement under the 3-man defence formation are essential.
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While United need more recruitment before they can realistically challenge the top clubs, the financial restriction could hamper them. Man United’s frivolous spending in the past has put them in a situation where they have to sell before buying.