Manchester United headed into this campaign with cautious optimism, but also plenty of unanswered questions.
After enduring the worst Premier League season in their history last season — finishing a club-record low 15th and losing the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur — the summer was always going to be pivotal.
Fans looked to the transfer window for a lift, and while there were big arrivals and major departures, the early weeks suggest Rúben Amorim still has a lot to prove.
A Busy Summer of Signings
United made an encouraging start to the window, moving early to secure Matheus Cunha from Wolves. The Brazilian scored 15 Premier League goals last season and was viewed as a vital upgrade in attack.
Shortly after came the blockbuster addition of Bryan Mbeumo, who bagged 20 league goals for Brentford and attracted interest from Newcastle and Spurs. Mbeumo only wanted Old Trafford, and after a long negotiation United agreed a £71m package.
To further strengthen the frontline, United landed Benjamin Šeško, one of Europe’s most exciting young strikers. After last season’s record-low 44 Premier League goals, United had little choice but to rebuild their attack, and these three additions promise to inject pace, power, and goals.
Outgoings: The “Bomb Squad” Cleared
Just as important as the signings was the clear-out. A number of players deemed surplus to requirements were finally moved on.
Marcus Rashford joined Barcelona on loan. Jadon Sancho signed for Aston Villa on loan. Antony returned to Real Betis in a permanent move, while Alejandro Garnacho went to Chelsea in a £40m deal.
For United, these departures marked a fresh start — players who had either underperformed or struggled for consistency moved on, while the wage bill was reduced. For the players themselves, it offered new opportunities elsewhere.
Goalkeeper Shake-Up
The goalkeeper position has been a persistent problem. Both Bayindir and André Onana made costly mistakes last season, forcing United back into the market.
Onana has now left on loan in search of a reset, while newcomer Lamenns could be handed the No. 1 shirt. His composure, flexibility, and reliability will be critical in steadying a back line that has often looked fragile.
Early Season Wobbles
Despite the changes, United’s start has been mixed.
They crashed out of the cup in humiliating fashion to Grimsby Town, lost narrowly on the opening day to Arsenal and dropped points at Fulham despite leading. The Red Devils managed a scrappy but vital 3–2 home win over Burnley, sealed only by a last-minute Bruno Fernandes penalty.
Performances have raised more questions than answers, and Amorim already faces pressure. With a Manchester derby against City followed by a clash with Chelsea at Old Trafford, the coming fixtures could define not only United’s season but Amorim’s long-term future.
Hope for the Season Ahead
There are still reasons for optimism. United beat City away last season and held Chelsea to a draw — results that show they can rise to big occasions. If Amorim can strike a balance in midfield and unlock a consistent partnership between Cunha, Mbeumo, and Šeško, United may yet find the goals that eluded them last year.
The goalkeeper situation could also be a turning point. If Lamenns proves reliable where Onana faltered, it will ease pressure on the defence and give Amorim a platform to build from.
Ultimately, United’s season may come down to whether their summer rebuild brings stability and goals — or whether early stumbles snowball into another year of frustration.
United have cleared out the deadwood, added firepower, and signed a new goalkeeper. But unless results improve quickly, the question remains: are they truly ready to kick on, or are the same old problems destined to hold them back?