Manchester United made wholesale changes in the summer, with new manager Ruben Amorim keen to implement his own philosophy after struggling in his first season at Old Trafford
Harry Maguire of Manchester United arrives prior to the Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford
Harry Maguire's wish was granted after Man United overhauled their squad in the summer
(Image: Ash Donelon, Manchester United via Getty Images)
Manchester United heeded Harry Maguire's call for a squad overhaul this summer, with the defender predicting "a lot of changes" in the transfer window. His forecast proved accurate as Ruben Amorim got to work reshaping the team in his vision.
The Red Devils bolstered their attack by bringing in Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko, investing approximately £200million in the trio. Despite being the last among that trio to join, 22-year-old Sesko can already be considered an integral part of Amorim's new starting line-up.
Goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who was signed from Royal Antwerp on deadline day, is another notable addition. Although yet to debut for United, the Belgian is expected to become the new No. 1 given the concerns surrounding current keepers Andre Onana, who is reportedly set for a loan move to Trabzonspor, and Altay Bayindir.
However, it's the departures that have arguably made more headlines, with 12 players exiting Old Trafford either permanently or on loan. Antony and Alejandro Garnacho were sold, while Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Rasmus Hojlund have each been loaned out.
Despite a slow start to the season, Amorim has been given the resources to put his stamp on the team. And it seems Maguire's plea for action during the summer has not fallen on deaf ears.
"We will make a lot of changes in the summer at the club," said the England international in May (via The Mirror). "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 & Matheus Cunha pose together with team shirts prior to the pre-season friendly match between Manchester United and iorentina
Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha will form United's new front three
"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 expected to face financial constraints this summer following their 15th-place Premier League finish last term. That, combined with their loss to Tottenham in the Europa League final, meant they missed out on European football for the first time in 11 years.
However, a net expenditure of around £160m demonstrated the club's resources remain substantial. Moreover, co-owners Ineos displayed their dedication to Amorim's vision by supporting the manager in the transfer window.
Harry Maguire of Manchester United applauds the fans after the Premier League match between Manchester United and Burnley at Old Trafford
Maguire has been left on the fringes of Amorim's selection so far this term
It continues United's trend of annual summer makeovers, which isn't a great sign that the club has been content with its options. And it's little wonder as to why following back-to-back seasons setting new record low finishes in the league.
Maguire, meanwhile, has found himself largely excluded from Amorim's starting XI this season, managing only two Premier League substitute appearances so far. Amorim has favoured a defensive trio of Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw and Matthijs de Ligt, while Lisandro Martinez continues his recovery from the serious knee injury he suffered in February.
Such extensive alterations will need time to bear fruit at Old Trafford, time United cannot afford as they seek to restore their past success. Nevertheless, neither Maguire nor the fans can argue the club has failed to act in its bid to return to title contention.