Since Ruben Amorim took charge at Manchester United, things have gone from bad to worse.
When he arrived, United were four points off the top four.
By the end of the season, they had collapsed to 15th – an astonishing 24 points adrift of Champions League qualification.
However, Amorim knew the scale of the challenge.
He warned fans of the “storm” ahead – and it hit hard.
But now, he’s issued a new message: “good times are coming.”
For that to come true, results must turn quickly – the pressure is on Amorim.
It’s clear United need a monumental rebuild – tactically and culturally.
That makes this summer absolutely vital.
Key positions must be strengthened with quality, while deadwood needs to be cleared to raise funds and fix a broken dressing room.
Matheus Cunha has already arrived and is expected to slot into the left-sided No.10 role.
But that’s just the beginning – in this piece, we assess where Manchester United need reinforcements, who they might target, and ultimately – how Manchester United could line up in the 2025/26 season.
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Goalkeeper – Emiliano Martinez
Andre Onana has continued to struggle since Amorim took over, and it now seems the manager has had enough.
After a string of costly mistakes and inconsistent performances, Amorim is keen to replace him with a top-level shot stopper.
Onana has simply let him down one too many times.
With Aston Villa under serious PSR pressure and needing to make a big sale, Manchester United have identified World Cup winner Emiliano Martinez as a key target.
United believe his experience, leadership, and shot-stopping ability can help push the team higher up the table and bring some much-needed calmness to the backline.
Villa originally wanted around £40 million, but with their financial situation worsening, that asking price has now dropped to £25–30 million – much more in United’s range.
However, for United to make this upgrade, either Onana or Altay Bayindir will likely need to be sold first.
If a deal can be done, Martinez is expected to come straight in as the new number one.
Right 10 – Bryan Mbeumo
With Amad Diallo likely to start the season as United’s first-choice right wing-back, the club are targeting a more advanced right-sided attacker to fill the R10 role – someone with real end product.
Goals and assists are the priority, and the name at the top of the list is Bryan Mbeumo.
After racking up 20 goals and 8 assists last season, Mbeumo offers Premier League-proven output and consistency – something United have lacked in that area.
He ticks every box: he links play well in tight spaces, makes dangerous runs in behind, has pace, strength, excellent off-the-ball and can create chances for others.
In short, he looks tailor-made for the role.
United have already had a bid of £45 million plus £10 million in add-ons rejected, with Brentford holding out for closer to £60 million.
Despite the gap in valuation, there’s confidence that a deal can be reached.
However, United may need to act fast.
With Thomas Frank now appointed as Spurs manager, Tottenham are reportedly considering a move for Mbeumo as well.
That has added pressure to accelerate negotiations – but United still remain confident of getting their man.
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Striker – Viktor Gyokeres
Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have both shown flashes of quality in their time at United, but neither has delivered consistently in front of goal.
With United struggling for firepower, a new number nine is a clear priority this summer.
Liam Delap was initially targeted as a long-term option, but after he chose Chelsea, United have had to shift their focus elsewhere.
Victor Osimhen and, more recently, Hugo Ekitike have both been linked, but the financial demands involved in those deals make them unlikely.
That’s where Viktor Gyokeres comes in.
The Swedish striker was a standout under Amorim at Sporting, and the United manager is keen on a reunion.
Gyokeres is a relentless channel runner, a physical presence, and a constant goal threat – he would immediately raise the level of this United attack.
Signing him won’t be easy, but there’s growing optimism.
With Arsenal reportedly pulling out of the race, United could have a clear path to land the striker – if they’re willing to meet Sporting’s demands.
If they do, Gyokeres could be the statement signing needed to lead the line in 2025/26.
Centre Midfield – Adam Wharton
Midfield has been a problem area for United for some time now, and it’s clear that upgrades are needed.
However, there have been no concrete moves in the market just yet.
Minor links to Ederson, Hayden Hackney, and Douglas Luiz have surfaced, but nothing substantial – leaving it unclear whether United are seriously looking to recruit in midfield this summer.
That said, the dream target remains Adam Wharton.
United have admired the Crystal Palace midfielder for a long time, and it’s easy to see why.
He’s an elite passer, calm under pressure, and would massively improve United’s build-up play – especially when it comes to finding someone like Cunha in the pocket.
He’s also more than capable in defensive duels and has the composure needed to dictate play at the highest level.
The big issue is price.
Wharton won’t come cheap, and for this deal to even become feasible, United will need to offload several players first.
While he remains the ideal signing for Amorim’s system, the reality is that cheaper alternatives are currently more likely.
Still, if the opportunity arises, Wharton would be a transformative addition to United’s midfield.
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Starting XI
Emiliano Martinez
Leny Yoro – Harry Maguire – Lisandro Martinez
Amad Diallo – Adam Wharton – Bruno Fernandes – Patrick Dorgu
Bryan Mbeumo Matheus Cunha
Viktor Gyokeres
Although, this line up would need significant outgoings in order to be funded.
However, if achieved, would represent a significant upgrade and allow Ruben Amorim to truly try and showcase his managerial talents, with a side able to compete at the highest level.
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