Manchester United will start their Premier League campaign with a home game against Arsenal
The end of the 2024/25 season was bittersweet for every Manchester United fan. Finishing 15th in the Premier League and losing the Europa League final to Tottenham were heartbreaking. Exiting European competitions for the new season was another big blow. But the club took big steps in the summer instead of sitting idly by.
Bringing in players like Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo added a new edge to the team. The foundation for the future was also laid by signing young Diogo Leon. The biggest change occurred when Benjamin Sesko joined the team, particularly after Rasmus Hojlund’s underwhelming performance last season. It’s nice to see new faces, as this change gives us fresh hope.
Start of the season and the midfield puzzle
The 2025/26 season will begin against Arsenal at Old Trafford. This is not just a match, but the first big test of our preparation. This is an opportunity for Ruben Amorim to show how quickly the new players can adapt. Fans want to see a fast and aggressive team, but the need for stability in the midfield is still important.
Ruben Amorim attends press-conference ahead of the match against Arsenal
Ruben Amorim attends press-conference ahead of the match against Arsenal
Midfield depth is a cause for concern. Casemiro is in the final phase of his career, and the departure of Christian Eriksen has further increased the deficiency. Carlos Baleba’s name was in the news, but Brighton’s high price made the deal difficult. Now it seems almost impossible to get a new midfielder before the start of the season.
Amorim’s confidence and fans’ expectations
However, confidence was clearly visible on Amorim’s face in the press conference ahead of the season opener. He said that the current players of the team are working hard and are ready for any challenge. The Portuguese coach put a stop to the rumours and praised the talent of the squad.
Hearing this, the fans should get excited, but the question of the lack of midfield still remains. In the absence of a player like Carlos Baleba, the responsibility on Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes will increase. If Amorim adds the aggression of Cunha, Mbeumo and Sesko with defensive stability in a 3-4-2-1 formation, the team’s edge can be further sharpened.
Here is what he said via Manchester Evening News:
“I’m really happy with our players, they are working really well and we have players in that position, so we are prepared to win any game with our players.”
Wing-backs Amad Diallo and Patrick Dorgu can hide the lack of support to some extent from the ageing midfield, and the lack of support from a quality defensive midfielder. Quick passing and high pressing right from the front three can become a way to cover this deficiency. Amorim definitely is aware that he needed a defensive midfielder, but he is just keeping his optimism high ahead of the start of a fresh season.