After another inconsistent campaign and questions surrounding their identity, the club is reportedly eyeing a squad overhaul this summer. Over the past few years United seem to be in a state of perpetual rebuild, now never has a transfer window had greater magnitude for a club than this summer for Manchester United. Following a dismal season culminating in a Europa League loss to Tottenham Hotspur and missing out on Champions League football (and the potential windfall qualification can offer) United need a strong summer transfer window in order to improve greatly next season or risk falling further behind.
The Amorim Blueprint: 3-4-3 Formation
United switching to Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 system will redefine their recruitment strategy. The success Ruben experienced at Sporting CP has been built on a structured yet dynamic 3-4-3 formation that thrives on fluid transitions, high pressing, and wide creativity from disciplined wing-back play with dynamic movement in the front three, giving United the opportunity to reset their sporting project. Implementing this at United would require both tactical adaptability and a reshaped squad, especially given the deficiencies exposed in recent seasons.
This will require a number of players to be moved on, including promising talent that unfortunately doesn’t fit the system, have displayed a lack of adaptability or willingness to play in the high intensity 3-4-3 the manager prefers.
Critical Mass: Key Departures
With Manchester United aiming to offload returning loanees—Rashford (£40m), Antony (£30m), and now Sancho (£25m), following Chelsea’s unsurprising decision to pay £5m to decline the option of a permanent transfer—there is optimism that an additional £95m could be generated on top of the reported £100m budget allocated to Ruben Amorim. The United board must approach this summer’s transfer window with conviction, ready to make bold and strategic decisions, particularly when it comes to player sales.
A fallout with Amorim has all but sealed Garnacho’s departure, potentially generating an additional £50–60 million in transfer funds. Meanwhile, André Onana (£25m) has struggled to impress during his two seasons at Manchester United, with a career average of 1.5 goals conceded per game. As a result, the club may seek a new first-choice goalkeeper. Up front, United remain short on firepower. After securing the signing of Matheus Cunha, they have now turned their attention to Bryan Mbeumo, with both players recording 23 and 29 goal contributions respectively last season. To further strengthen their attack, United may consider offloading Rasmus Højlund (£40m) which could raise total available funds to approximately £125 million, provided their valuation is met.
The seismic sale of Bruno Fernandes would have produced a windfall of £100m but the loss of our club captain and such an influential player on the pitch in terms of goals, assists and chance creation would present a huge problem in terms of finding a player to replace our talisman. Thankfully this did not come to fruition and Bruno has come out and stated he believes he still has more to offer at top level European football. Everything considered United potentially have around £300m to spend in the summer, some money has already been allocated to signing Cuhna which will be paid in three installments. How the remaining money will be spent is yet to be seen, but there are a number of areas the squad needs improvement or increased depth.
The Goalkeeper: A New No. 1
United bought Onana following one season at Inter Milan after a move from Ajax. While he reached the Champions League final with Inter and was highly rated at the time his overall stats were less than impressive conceding 24 goals in 24 league games in Serie A and keeping only 8 clean sheets. Another Erik ten Hag buy reuniting with a former player he had managed at Ajax. With two seasons at United under his belt, Onana has made 72 Premier League appearances amassing an abysmal 102 goals conceded. Amorim may feel that a change is appropriate in order to close the flood gates!
Diogo Costa (Porto) – £35-40m.
Amorim will be familiar with the FC Port number one from his time at Sporting CP. Costa is excellent with his feet and commanding presence in the box. His positioning and anticipation are key factors that saw Costa maintain a 68.25% save percentage while only conceding 18 goals in Primeira Liga. Praised for his tactical intelligence and composure under pressure, while effectively organising the defensive line and leading from the back, communicating effectively with teammates.
Mike Maignan (AC Milan) – £20-25m.
Known for his quick reactions and excellent shot-stopping ability, especially in one-on-one situations and close range. Despite a tall 6’3″ frame, Maignan is able to move swiftly with agility. Calm under pressure and proficient with both feet, he is able to accurately distribute and contribute to build-up play from the back.
On The Attack: Rebuilding the Front Three
With United lacking goals during 2024-25 season, scoring 99 goals across 60 games while averaging 15.2 shots per game. Particularly struggling in the Premier League, scoring only 44 goals in 38 games. In comparison to the Europa League, where United managed 35 goals in only 15 games. With Amad, Garnacho and Hojlund mustering a meagre 32 goals between them in all competitions, a lack of finishing prowess will be a major concern for Amorim and an area that the Club has already began to address this summer.
With the signing of Cuhna already confirmed, United have moved to sign Bryan Mbeumo to resolve their goal scoring issues. With Brentford asking for a similar £60m price United paid Wolves for Cunha, Mbeumo brings versatility, pressing intelligence and creativity – ideal for the right sided 10 in the 4-3-4 formation Amorim employs. With the 10s seemingly covered, the focus should be on signing a prolific striker to finish of the chances United create, with 60 big chances created in the Premier League.
Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen) – £40-45m.
A versatile forward who combines physical strength and technical prowess. Excelling in hold up play, allowing teammates to join the attack fits perfectly with the 3-4-3 formation with the two 10’s linking with the striker to create chances. Boasting a high shot volume averaging 3.91 shots per 90 mins, with a 20% conversion rate this is better than the like of Haaland (18.1%) in 2024-25.
Viktor Gyökeres (Sport CP) – £85m.
Having played under Ruben Amorim, Gyökeres know the system that the manager plays and has excelled in this system in Portugal. A strong physical presence and tireless runner and pressing, Gyökeres is a handful for defenders and will cope well with the physicality of the Premier League. With the ability to link-up play with teammates, he is able to create chances and is also a clinical finisher scoring 53 in all competitions.
Jean-Phillippe Mateta (Crystal Palace) – £30m.
A forward who thrives in the centre of the box, utilising his strong physical presence and dribbling ability to create opportunities. This is reflected in the 103 touches in the opposition box allowing him to score 17 goals and assisted 4 time in 46 appearances.
Midfield Overhaul: A New Engine
With Bruno rejecting a move to the Saudi Pro League for ridiculous money and a commitment to play at the highest level still, United have retained their man creative force. However, with a lack of athleticism in the midfield United may look to bring in another player. While Mainoo is a promising young talent who has shown skills and maturity beyond his years, Casemiro is in the later stages of his career and has never been blessed with pace. Ugarte has shown glimpses of what he can provide defensively, but there are still question marks over his suitability, and with his contract ending Eriksen has now left the club. Collyer has shown he is a competent CDM. With a high work rate and physical play, Collyer has averaged 6.21 tackles per game, 1.55 interceptions and clearance’s per game and the highest ground duels won in the Premier League among players with 20+ games (81%), he is definitely an exciting prospect.
Carlos Baleba (Brighton) – £45-50m.
Known for his strong tackling, interceptions, and ability to break up play in the defensive midfield. Baleba also has a good passing range and can play forward passes, often breaking lines with his accurate deliveries. While primarily a defensive midfielder, Baleba has shown his box-to-box capabilities contributing in attack.
Ederson (Atalanta) – £50m.
With strong defensive contributions, Ederson is energetic with an aggressive playing style. Excelling in breaking up attacks, winning duels and transitioning the ball forward to the attack whilst also demonstrating an ability to create chances and score goals. Although Ederson isn’t a playmaker, his short-to-midrange passing accuracy is 85% and shows efficiency in winning the ball in the final third.
Conclusion: A Risk Worth Taking
United have long clung to individuals rather than focusing on the collective system. Amorim’s 3-4-3 offers a fresh start and an opportunity to make some brave decisions to push the club forward. If United commit to selling underperforming, ageing and disruptive players and then reinvesting wisely, this summer could mark a turning point. Signing Premier League proven players, a prolific goal scorer who has produced consistently and adding some athleticism and aggression to the team could be enough to make United contenders again in the next few years. New signings will need time to gel, with youngsters coming through next season may be another that requires patients from fans. But with noticeable improvement and clear development of players both individual and in the system will be enough to give Amorim time to implement his vision. It would be bold, even brutal – but it could finally bring back the glory days.
Estimated Funds from Sales
Rashford (£40m), Antony (£30m), Sancho (£25m), Garnacho (£50), Onana (£25m), Hojlund (£40m) = £210m. United could look to offload Casemiro (£15m) to raise further funds and with the ability to spend up to £140m whilst staying within PSR constraints United could have up to £365m. Having already signed Cuhna (£62.5m) and the imminent signing of Mbeumo (£60) United could have around £242.5m to play with in order to sign a new goalkeeper, midfielder and a much needed striker.
Potential Reinvestment
With Maignan looking set to join Chelsea, a new goalkeeper would be up to £40m for either of the remaining options. Of the attackers available my preference would be Gyökeres (£85m), due to having already played under Amorim and being the most prolific on this list. United would likely look to negotiate a lower price, however Sporting may hold out for the full release clause. Baleba (£50m) has Premier League experience and this seems to be the route the United board are going down when it comes to signing players. Total amount for further investment would equal £175m, this would leave United with £67.5m from sales. This could allow United to hold off on selling Hojlund and keep the young striker as a backup, with Gyökeres being the main striker that he can learn from. Alternatively, Jonathan David could be an option as backup on a free transfer with his contract at Lille expiring this summer.
This summer promises to be both eventful and demanding, as is often the case for Manchester United supporters. The club appears to be acting with greater urgency and making more considered decisions. With full backing for the manager this time, there’s hope that we can once again take pride and pleasure in watching our team play.
