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IF Ruben Amorim was previously unaware of the immense weight of his duties at Manchester United, he is certainly enlightened now.
The 3-0 loss to Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Sunday left United languishing in 13th place this Christmas—seven points closer to the relegation zone than to the top of the Premier League.
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The Portuguese manager had deliberated on whether to step into the Premier League mid-season or wait until season’s end before leaving Sporting Lisbon.
Eventually, the allure of Old Trafford and the task of revitalizing a faltering team proved irresistible.
Nevertheless, Amorim must deliver results swiftly or face the downfall of the season, potentially jeopardizing future recruitment efforts.
Amorim prefers a 3-4-3 formation, yet several players in the squad he inherited are not well-suited for such a setup.
If supporters had concerns a few weeks back, they now have ample reasons for their skepticism.
SunSport highlights five players Amorim should center his strategy on, five needing to be shown the exit, and those with uncertain futures…
STAYERS —
MANUEL UGARTE
The Uruguayan midfielder encountered difficulties initially, likely as a result of a squad that had struggled under Erik ten Hag.
In recent fixtures, Ugarte has begun to exhibit his genuine talent to perform critical tasks in the midfield.
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AMAD DIALLO
The Ivorian winger has now spent five years at United, finally starting to turn his potential into actual outcomes.
Amorim needs his wide players to cut inside and pose threats, while also being apt to challenge in the wide positions. Amad perfectly fits this role, thanks to his remarkable speed.
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LENY YORO
Another young prospect for United, Yoro has faced injury troubles since his move from Lille during the summer.
There’s much for the 19-year-old to absorb, and if Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire stay, they could guide him to fulfill the expectations set on him from France.
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BRUNO FERNANDES
Though some criticize him as a player who only shines against weaker opposition, he remains vital to United’s attacking strategies.
However, Amorim requires his captain to take charge and not shy away from the limelight, especially in his less conspicuous games. Nevertheless, when he performs at his best, the entire team benefits.
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KOBBIE MAINOO
Mainoo had to sit out at the beginning of the Amorim era due to an injury, and with three losses in the four matches since his return, the outlook doesn’t seem promising.
Yet, considering the 19-year-old is still working on his match fitness, he possesses the potential to make an impact in midfield and could form a solid partnership with Ugarte if given a chance.
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LEAVERS —
MARCUS RASHFORD
Rashford’s public wish to leave his lifelong club may simplify Amorim’s task compared to if he were perceived as forcing the England star out.
However, fitting the forward into Amorim’s system seems challenging—even prior to the recent incidents of the past fortnight.
Compared to other potential departures, selling Rashford makes economic sense, as his transfer fee could be reflected at full book value in the club’s Profit and Sustainability accounting.
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ANTONY
Many loyal fans at the Stretford End saw through the Brazilian soon after his arrival in the summer of 2022.
Now, two and a half years later, the broader fanbase has come to realize it as well.
Winger Antony represents the shortcomings of Ten Hag’s strategy to recruit players from the Eredivisie with whom he had previous connections.
His £85.5 million signing has turned out to be a major letdown, and selling him, even at a significant loss, is the only sensible option.
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CASEMIRO
While the Brazilian’s transfer from Real Madrid seemed reasonable at the time—and he did score in the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle in 2023—United now finds itself facing the consequences of having a midfielder who struggles to maintain pace and has fallen victim to the relentless progression of time.
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LISANDRO MARTINEZ
Another remnant of Ten Hag’s strategy, who has appeared to be coasting in recent weeks—committing excessive errors.
The Argentine defender has never been recognized for his physical presence but appears to be becoming less willing to engage.
He seems like a player who has become indifferent to his role.
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LUKE SHAW
While it may be unfair to blame the England left-back entirely, his ongoing injury issues hinder Amorim’s ability to depend on his reliability.
Shaw would have been the perfect left-side wing-back for upcoming years, provided he could guarantee his fitness. Unfortunately, he does not meet that requirement.
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LOTS TO PROVE —
MASON MOUNT
Another player grappling with physical challenges, but after just nine Premier League starts in the last 18 months following his transfer from Chelsea, it encapsulates the England midfielder’s current predicament.
When fit, Mount certainly has a useful role, even as a substitute. Yet, the real question remains: how likely is he to maintain consistent fitness?
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RASMUS HOJLUND
United’s willingness to pay £64 million upfront for the Dane suggests confidence in his potential, and he will likely be given the primary No. 9 role.
Hojlund, however, has yet to show he is the natural goalscorer United hoped to land.
He remains a developmental project.
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ALEJANDRO GARNACHO
After being sidelined for the 2-1 derby victory against City, Garnacho has come under fire as the quest for a leak within United continues, yet he showed a positive response in training.
Nonetheless, a sum of three league goals this season falls below expectations, and last season’s Puskas Award for his jaw-dropping bicycle-kick against Everton will bear little relevance for the new manager.
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JOSHUA ZIRKZEE
There has been little evidence thus far that the Dutch forward can carve out a lasting future at Old Trafford.
However, it would be hasty to dismiss him after only a few months at the club.
Zirkzee must showcase his agility and danger—demonstrating that he can generate chances rather than merely waiting for opportunities to arise.
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NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI
His adaptability and ability to play in multiple defensive roles could serve the Moroccan well.
However, he has yet to establish himself as a permanent fixture in the squad.
It’s hard to see him functioning effectively as a wing-back unless absolutely necessary, and can he provide the defensive reliability to succeed in a back three? The responsibility now falls on him.
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