Ruben Amorim’s quest to bring back the glory years to Manchester United is well and truly underway, with the Red Devils refreshing their squad over the course of the summer.
The 20-time Premier League champions finished 15th last season and will need to be markedly better in 2025-26 if the Portuguese manager is to keep his job.
United signed Benjamin Sesko as their new central striker, while the early additions of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo mean the Red Devils have plenty of options in the final third.
However, it is other areas of the pitch that Manchester United need reinforcements in, with an imbalance in the heart of their midfield holding the side back.
Image of dejected Ruben Amorim after Europa League defeat
A dejected Ruben Amorim after Europa League defeat Credit: Getty Images/Alex Pantling/UEFA
Scott McTominay’s sale a big mistake
United opted to sell Scotland international midfielder Scott McTominay to Napoli 12 months ago, but in hindsight this appears to be a very poor decision.
Former manager Erik ten Hag sanctioned the sale, with the 28-year-old not fitting into the Dutchman’s plans at Old Trafford.
McTominay was crowned Serie A Player of the Season in 2024-25 as Napoli stormed their way to the Scudetto, with the Scot scoring 12 goals and providing four assists for team-mates.
And, with Antonio Conte’s men starting their 2025-26 season on Saturday away to Sassuolo, it took the Scotland international only 17 minutes to break the deadlock in a 2-0 win.
McTominay sale haunts United in midfield search
While United failed to sign Carlos Baleba earlier this summer, there is a feeling the Red Devils could yet bolster their options in midfield.
There is a dependence on Bruno Fernandes to add creativity from central areas, but the United captain needs quality around him for the side to improve.
Scott McTominay wins Serie A with Napoli.
Photo by Andrea Staccioli/Insidefoto/LightRocket via Getty Images
Manuel Ugarte has under-performed since being signed as McTominay’s replacement from Paris Saint-Germain and the powers that be will surely look back at the Scot’s departure with regret.
United made the same mistake with Paul Pogba in 2012, before re-signing him from Juventus in 2016, but McTominay would surely spurn the chance to return to his boyhood club given the success he is having in Italy.
United return to Premier League action on Sunday in a trip to Fulham, with Amorim needing to get his midfield balance right if the Red Devils are to get their first win of the new season.