Manchester United defender Harry Maguire got his wish after campaigning for the club to make changes over the summer following a disappointing 2024/25 season
Harry Maguire speaks to Rio Ferdinand
Harry Maguire got his wish granted after calling for Manchester United to make "a lot of changes" in the summer
(Image: Rio Ferdinand Presents / YouTube)
Manchester United responded positively to Harry Maguire's transfer summons after the defender called for renovations in the summer. The 32-year-old predicted there would be "a lot of changes" taking place during the transfer window and was proved right after Ruben Amorim transformed the make-up of his squad.
United revolutionised their attack with the additions of Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko for a combined investment of around £200million. Sesko, 22, was later to arrive at Old Trafford, but it would be fair to consider all three players part of Amorim's new starting XI.
The same might be said for goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who was signed from Royal Antwerp on deadline day. The Belgian is yet to make his debut between the posts for United but should be the new No. 1 given the concerns that have surrounded incumbent keepers Andre Onana, who has reportedly agreed a loan move to Trabzonspor, and Altay Bayindir.
Perhaps even more pertinent are United's departures, however, with no fewer than 12 players leaving the club either permanently or on loan. Wingers Antony and Alejandro Garnacho left on permanent transfers, while Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Rasmus Hojlund have each departed on temporary deals.
The Red Devils have been slow out of the gates this season, but Amorim can't say he hasn't been handed the means to make his own imprint on the team. And Maguire has also got his way after urging the club to take action over the summer months.
"We will make a lot of changes in the summer at the club," said the England international in May. "There will be a lot of players who leave and hopefully a lot of players will come in.
New Manchester United signings Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha presented at Old Trafford
New signings Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha have formed a new front three at Old Trafford
"And that’s down to the club to make sure they get that right, and it’s down to us players to make sure that we are the ones that are involved."
United were anticipated to struggle for funds this summer after finishing 15th in the Premier League last term. That, coupled with their defeat to Tottenham in the Europa League final, saw them fail to qualify for any European competition for the first time in a decade.
Yet a net spend of around £160m proved the coffers were hardly empty. Not to mention co-owners Ineos showed their commitment to Amorim's project by backing the boss in the transfer market.
Harry Maguire of Manchester United applauds the fans after the Premier League match between Manchester United and Burnley at Old Trafford
Maguire is yet to make a league start this season
Maguire, meanwhile, has found himself out of Amorim's XI at the start of this season after managing just two Premier League appearances off the bench thus far. Amorim has preferred a centre-back trio of Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw and Matthijs de Ligt, while Lisandro Martinez is still recovering from the serious knee injury he suffered in February.
Such widespread changes will require time to take effect at Old Trafford, time United don't have as they look to regain their former glories. But Maguire nor the fans can complain the club hasn't taken action in its efforts to get back on top.
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