Ruben Amorim has been handed the enormous task of restoring Manchester United to their former glory and challenging for major trophies once again.
After replacing Erik ten Hag, the Portuguese coach brought a wave of optimism to Old Trafford.
Having dominated Portuguese football with Sporting CP, Amorim was expected to make an instant impact despite inheriting a lacklustre squad.
However, the “storm” Amorim warned fans about arrived.
United endured a disastrous Premier League campaign, finishing 15th and struggling to collect points anywhere. T
here was hope of salvaging the season through the Europa League, but that too ended in disappointment with defeat to Spurs in the final.
Now, heading into the 2025/26 season, the task is simple: improve Manchester United, or Amorim’s future at the club is in serious doubt.
Despite the poor campaign, INEOS remain confident in Amorim’s long-term vision.
After all, he rebuilt a struggling Sporting side into the best team in the country.
But what are the key issues Ruben Amorim is facing at United right now – and how can they be solved ahead of the new Premier League season?
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Cultural Rebuild
While the lack of top-level quality in the squad is a concern, perhaps an even bigger issue at Manchester United is the absence of a winning culture.
Too often, players appear to down tools or complain when things go wrong, rather than show the fight and resilience expected at a club of this stature.
This mentality problem has already led to high-profile fallouts under Ruben Amorim.
Marcus Rashford was the first casualty, eventually loaned out to Aston Villa and now expected to leave permanently.
Then came Alejandro Garnacho, who after repeated attitude issues, was publicly told by Amorim in front of the squad to find a new club.
With both players now on their way out, Amorim will be hoping to reshape the mentality of the dressing room and instil a new, winning culture – just as he successfully did during his rebuild at Sporting CP.
Important Summer
Closely tied to the cultural rebuild is the importance of getting this summer’s transfer window right.
Ruben Amorim must bring in players who can handle the responsibility of playing for Manchester United – both in terms of quality and mentality.
Just as crucial is moving on those who have struggled with the pressure or have disrupted the squad’s dynamics.
The planned departures of Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, and Antony reflect a clear shift in direction.
But these sales will only be successful if the replacements are the right fit – not just technically, but mentally.
So far, there are encouraging signs.
Matheus Cunha is confirmed, and Bryan Mbeumo looks likely to arrive at Old Trafford.
Both bring quality and a strong work ethic.
But more is needed.
United are still in the market for a striker, an athletic central midfielder, and a new goalkeeper.
Amorim must ensure that every addition not only suits his tactical vision, but also brings a winning mentality.
United can’t afford any more players who go missing when it matters most.
Goalscoring
Manchester United managed just 44 goals in the Premier League last season – the fifth-worst record in the division.
Only ahead of Everton and the three relegated sides.
If Ruben Amorim is to take United back to the top, solving this blunt attacking output is absolutely essential.
The arrivals of Matheus Cunha and the likely addition of Bryan Mbeumo will help, but United still need to sign a reliable striker.
That said, this isn’t just about individual talent – it’s about creating a more dynamic and cohesive attacking unit.
Too often last season, the front line looked disjointed and isolated.
Ruben Amorim must use pre-season to rebuild the attacking structure, integrate new signings quickly, and forge better understanding in the final third.
Getting his attackers on the same wavelength early is key to turning United’s biggest weakness into a strength.
Tactical Issues
While a lack of quality across the squad has undoubtedly held Manchester United back, the tactical system under Ruben Amorim hasn’t been flawless either.
Amorim is clear in his vision – he wants United to dominate possession, control games, and create high-quality chances.
But right now, both player limitations and tactical execution are preventing that from happening.
One key issue has been in United’s build-up play.
Amorim prefers to push his CCB into midfield during the build-up phase, forming a double pivot alongside the defensive midfielder.
However, this has had negative consequences at United.
Harry Maguire, who typically plays in that role, lacks the mobility and technical ability to operate effectively in midfield zones.
As a result, United often struggle to build through the centre and are frequently forced to go long, bypassing midfield entirely.
Out of possession, United have also struggled.
The press lacks consistency and structure, and strong possession-based teams regularly bypass them with ease.
Whether this is purely a tactical issue or a reflection of personnel unsuited to Amorim’s system remains unclear.
But to move forward, Amorim must be thinking about these questions.