Manchester United need players who are 'Premier League proven' in the summer transfer of 2025 if they are to do any better than finishing 15th, their worst in English League since being relegated in 1973-74. United stuck with manager Tommy Docherty despite being relegated then and have done the same now by continuing with Ruben Amorim. Yes, this season did feel as if United were relegated such were their poor performances: 18 defeats, 9 draws, only 44 goals scored, 54 conceded. Only three relegated teams scored fewer goals than United i.e., 17th. Ruben Amorim's record since taking over from Erik ten Hag is the worst with 6 wins, 6 draws, 13 losses, 24 points in 25 games which is less than 1 point per game.
United used to buy the best in the Premier League during Ferguson years starting with Eric Cantona from rival Leeds, young Roy Keane from Nottingham Forest and Paul Ince from West Ham, Any Cole from Newcastle, Dwight Yorke from Aston Villa, Rio Ferdinand from Leeds again, Micheal Carrick and Dimitar Berbatov from Tottenham, Edwin van der Sar from Fulham, Wayne Rooney from Everton and Robin van Persie from Arsenal. This trend could not be sustained due to increase in revenues of all Premier League teams compared to their European counterparts that made inter-PL club deals difficult due to high costs, but United simply made away with it which was completely wrong.
Club have announced the deal to sign Wolves number 10, Matheus Cunha the Brazilian attacker. This move was initiated towards the end of last season and concluded in early June. Cunha is physically strong, can carry the ball and is a goal threat with 15 goals last season. His childhood favourite club was Manchester United and he described joining the reds as a "dream" move. United have been linked with Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo. If it goes through United will be addressing the key issue plaguing them last season: goals. Mbeumo scored 20 goals last season with impressive stats: 7 assists, 17 big chances created, 202 crosses. Amorim's left-footed right winger. This would mean United signing two of the best attacking players from last season in Cunha and Mbeumo as per Opta.
United do need to buy an elite number 9. But this will depend on transfer fees generated from player sales of either Rashford, Sancho, Garnacho, Anthony. Victor Osimhen's available from Napoli for 70 million euro's but his salary demands may be putting off United! He's been top scorer in Italy, Turkey, African Cup of Nations qualifying rounds. Among the Premier League teams Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa is an obvious choice but he is approaching 30 years of age. Of the right age is Hugo Ekitike of Eintracht Frankfurt, just 23 with 19 goals and 11 assists in Bundesliga and Europa League last season. Rasmus Hojlund will only turn 23 next year! In his prime is Osimhen and such an opportunity might not come again.
United's splurge in recent seasons has been on costly imports who were not ready made fit to the relentless pace of Premier League; be it Jadon Sancho, Anthony or Rasmus Hojlund. Their Premier League buys have been questionable like Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal and Harry Maguire from Leicester who for 80 million has yet to become the best defender in the Premier League. Jason Wilcox has been promoted from Technical Director to Director of Football and maintains a lean setup with Christopher Vivell as Director of Recruitment. It's the first summer transfer window of this team and so far, they have done the job. Wilcox's past association with Southampton will mean United might be linked with two of their wantaway stars in Tyler Dibling and Taylor Harwood-Bellis. Adam Wharton is another exciting young player of interest from FA Cup winners Crystal Palace who earned high praise from Roy Keane.
Consequence of writing off a season was in lifeless final of Europa League, where Ruben Amorim played his favourite Mason Mount ahead of in-form Alejandro Garnacho while Amad had just recovered from serious injury. Abject United lost the match and a chance to return to Champions' League next season. Perhaps giving Amorim more time with players on training pitch might be a blessing in turning United's fortunes around sooner. After the Europa League final Amorim admonished a young Garnacho by reportedly saying he will be allowed to leave the club thus dimishing his transfer fee significantly. Atrocious handling of 20 year old, most exciting talent under-21 years of age in top-5 leagues of Europe.
Premier League just released the fixtures for 2025-26 season and its the most difficult start with games against Arsenal(H), Man City and Chelsea in the first five games. As usual the litmus test against Liverpool at Anfield is on October 18th. Will Amorim survive past this date? This makes it even more important for Amorim to have all his new signings ready for pre-season on 7th July.
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