There is fresh speculation over Ruben Amorim’s future at Manchester United as tensions rise behind the scenes at Old Trafford. Amorim was clearly at odds with his boss over the January transfer window, saying on Sunday: “I came here to be the manager of Manchester United, not to be the manager of Manchester United, that’s clear.”
The Portuguese manager also told the club’s recruitment staff and sporting director Jason Wilcox to “do their job”. This came after he revealed his frustration in the pre-match press conference ahead of the draw with Leeds United, saying he was unlikely to get a new contract this month. But regardless of whether Amorim survives his quest for bigger powers, United will need to make five signings by 2026, whether this month or the summer. Name the place where Express Sport must strengthen…
2 midfielders
One of the biggest problems United face is in midfield, whether they play with a back three or a back four. Casemiro has improved since pundit Jamie Carragher said on Sky Sports in May 2024 that he had “walked away from football”. However, the Brazilian will need to move on as his contract expires this summer.
Manuel Ugarte is also likely to be sold, while Koby Mainu is undervalued under Amorim. Ideally, if Amorim departs, it will be before Mainu departs. A new manager could then save his Red Devils career. However, with the required casualties of Casemiro and Ugarte, and Bruno Fernandes’ defensive IQ being a source of debate, United need at least two central midfielders this year.
Elliott Anderson, Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleva are dream targets. One of them, plus perhaps one of Joao Gomez, Conor Gallagher, Andre, Morten Hjurmand or Angelo Stiller, would really help United improve in central areas. Ayyoub Bouadi is another exciting wonderkid, but at only 18 years old he will need a lot of patience.
center back
Despite featuring Matthijs de Ligt, Lenny Yolo, Lisandro Martinez and Aiden Haven, the latter is still a work in progress, with the first three regularly plagued by injuries over the past few seasons. And with Harry Maguire out of contract this summer, bringing in a new centre-back would be a big help.
United are aiming to qualify for Europe and if they do qualify, having four high-quality centre-backs in addition to Haven’s back-up would be useful. Rennes’ 20-year-old French talent Jeremy Jacquet has the potential to be a long-term partner for Yoro at both club and international level and is being scouted by United.
right wing back
Diogo Dalot, Nouser Mazraoui and Amad are suitable right wing-backs. Patrick Dorg impressed in the right-wing role against Newcastle. However, signing an elite-level player who fits well with Brian Mbeumo could really help take United’s squad to another level.
They had previously considered Omar El Hilali, Nahuel Molina and John Aramburu as candidates. Crystal Palace’s Daniel Muñoz would be the perfect addition, but the Colombian turns 30 in May this year and it would cost a lot of money to lure him away from Selhurst Park.
attacker
Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha have made a strong start for United. They quickly become two of United’s best players post-Sir Alex Ferguson. However, Benjamin Sesco has gotten off to a slow start and may need more support offensively.
Rasmus Hojlund is set to make his move permanent this summer, while Joshua Zirkzee’s time at United looks set to end in 2026. The question is whether United will sign another centre-forward, like fellow Palace player Jean-Philippe Mateta, or another winger to compete with Sesco. RB Leipzig’s Yann Diomande was a coup, and the idea at the time was that Cunha would be Sesco’s No.9 choice.
