From his appointment in November 2024 to the end of the 2024/25 season, there was an understanding around the fact that Ruben Amorim was struggling for results with Manchester United. He had inherited a side in poor form, without his own signings and without having properly implemented his tactical ideas.
Across the summer, Man United have spent heavily, recruiting Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko to completely revitalise their attacking line. Not only that, but Amorim has finally had the pre-season he desired and despite all of this, early results have been far from promising.
In three completed games at the time of writing, Man United have lost to Arsenal, drawn with Fulham and shockingly bowed out of the Carabao Cup to Grimsby Town, leading to an immense amount of pressure on Amorim as many wonder if he will, in fact, be able to turn the club’s fortunes around.
In their Premier League clash with Burnley, new signing Cunha went off the pitch with an injury in the first half. Given the money spent on the Brazilian, and the quality he possesses, Cunha missing a significant amount of time could be massively detrimental for the Red Devils, especially with how important number 10s are in Amorim’s system.
If Cunha is to be absent for a while, then Man United may already have an ideal replacement within their squad.
Man Utd Signing Adam Wharton Could Unleash Bruno Fernandes
bruno fernandes man utd
Man United have been in the market for midfielders this summer, with links to names such as Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton as they hope for further incomings before the transfer deadline on the 1st September. Evidently, the Red Devils are focused on reinforcing their defensive midfield options rather than those in attack, though neither would be cheap, with Wharton reported to be priced at £100 million.
As such, it may be that Man United move captain Bruno Fernandes further up the pitch. The Portuguese has seemingly struggled in the deeper role he has played under Amorim in recent months, being unable to influence the game at the level he usually would, given he has been playing as part of a holding double pivot.
By moving further up the pitch, Fernandes would be given more license to attack and in doing so, could certainly supplement the output Man United would miss in Cunha’s hypothetical absence. It would also save funds for the Red Devils, which could prove crucial if they hope to strengthen their ranks in defensive midfield with a player such as Wharton.
Since joining Crystal Palace in early 2024, Wharton has developed into one of the most promising midfielders in the Premier League. The England international is not only brilliant in the tackle, but few possess a better passing range than the former Blackburn Rovers midfielder. Being naturally left-footed only adds to Wharton's unique profile.
Wharton would, without question, slot straight into the Man United first team, an ideal player to slot into Fernandes' current role and in turn, allow the Portuguese to return to the position in which he is at his absolute best.
Sign up toThe GIVEMESPORT Reportto get exclusive daily updates from Fabrizio Romano, Ben Jacobs, Dean Jones and Tom Bogert sent straight to your inbox.