The Telegraph
Ruben Amorim fully recognizes the gravity of his responsibilities with Manchester United following recent developments.
The 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Sunday leaves United sitting 13th in the league as the festive season nears—seven points closer to the relegation zone than to the Premier League summit.
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The Portuguese coach contemplated whether to join the Premier League midway through the season or to wait until its conclusion before departing Sporting Lisbon.
Ultimately, the prospect of managing at Old Trafford and the challenge of revamping a faltering squad proved too enticing.
Nonetheless, Amorim must achieve swift results or risk a season spiraling out of control, which could have detrimental effects on future recruitment efforts.
Amorim prefers a 3-4-3 formation, yet many players in the current squad do not align with this tactical vision.
If doubts lingered among fans recently, they will certainly be reaffirmed now.
According to SunSport, here are five players Amorim should revolve his strategy around, five who should be offloaded, and several whose futures hang in the balance…
STAYERS —
MANUEL UGARTE
The Uruguayan midfielder struggled during his initial stint, seemingly due to a squad that faltered under Erik ten Hag.
Recently, Ugarte has showcased his potential to be a pivotal player in the center of the field.
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AMAD DIALLO
The Ivorian winger has spent five years at United but is finally starting to translate his potential into real contributions.
Amorim needs his wide players to cut inside and create problems while also posing a threat in wide areas. Amad perfectly fits this role and possesses impressive pace.
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LENY YORO
Another talented youth at United, Yoro has faced difficulties with injuries since his move from Lille over the summer.
The 19-year-old has much to learn, and if Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire remain, they could assist him in fulfilling the potential he arrived with from France.
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BRUNO FERNANDES
While some may think of him as a player who excels against weaker teams, he remains crucial to United’s offensive strategy.
However, Amorim requires his captain to be more involved and not vanish at times; when Fernandes shines, the rest of the team often mirrors his performance.
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KOBBIE MAINOO
Mainoo has been sidelined with injuries at the start of Amorim’s stint, and with three losses in the four matches since his return, the prospects don’t look promising.
However, as he continues to improve his match fitness, he has the potential to make an impact in midfield and could develop a solid partnership with Ugarte, if given the opportunity.
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LEAVERS —
MARCUS RASHFORD
Rashford’s public declaration of wanting to leave his childhood club could ease Amorim’s task somewhat compared to if he were seen as removing the England star.
However, envisioning the forward fitting seamlessly into Amorim’s plans is challenging—even before the controversies of the past two weeks.
Unlike other potential departures, transferring Rashford makes financial sense, as his sale could be accounted for at full book value under the club’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.
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ANTONY
Many supporters at the Stretford End recognized the Brazilian’s limitations early on after his summer 2022 arrival.
Now, nearly two and a half years later, the broader supporter base has caught on as well.
Winger Antony embodies the disappointment stemming from Ten Hag’s strategy to recruit players from the Eredivisie with whom he had prior ties.
The £85.5 million spent on him has turned out to be a major letdown, and selling him, even at a substantial loss, seems to be the only viable way forward.
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CASEMIRO
While the Brazilian’s transfer from Real Madrid seemed reasonable at the time—and he did score in the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle in 2023—United now faces the repercussions of having a midfielder who’s struggling to keep pace and has been affected by age.
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LISANDRO MARTINEZ
Another project from Ten Hag who seems to be underperforming lately—committing too many errors.
The Argentine defender, whose strengths don’t lie in physicality, appears to be losing his competitive edge.
He gives the impression of someone detached from his role.
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LUKE SHAW
It’s unfair to place all the blame solely on the England left-back—yet his ongoing injury problems impede Amorim’s reliance on his consistency.
Shaw would have been an ideal candidate for the left wing-back role moving forward, had he maintained his fitness. Unfortunately, that has not been the case.
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LOTS TO PROVE —
MASON MOUNT
Another player grappling with fitness concerns, with just nine Premier League starts in 18 months since his transfer from Chelsea, his situation is a telling one.
When healthy, Mount undeniably has significant value, even as a substitute. However, the critical question remains: how dependable is he for consistent fitness?
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RASMUS HOJLUND
United’s decision to pay £64 million upfront for the Dane highlights their belief in his potential, as he is poised to establish himself as the first-choice No. 9.
Nonetheless, Hojlund has yet to prove himself as the natural goal-scorer that United expected at the time of his signing.
He remains a work in progress.
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ALEJANDRO GARNACHO
After being benched during the 2-1 derby win against City, Garnacho faced scrutiny amid the ongoing investigation for a leak within United, although he reportedly responded well in training.
That said, his current tally of three league goals is rather underwhelming, and last season’s Puskas Award for his stunning bicycle-kick against Everton holds little value with the new manager.
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JOSHUA ZIRKZEE
There has been little indication thus far that the Dutch forward can secure a long-term future at Old Trafford.
Nonetheless, it seems premature to dismiss him after just a few months with the club.
Zirkzee must showcase his flexibility and promise—demonstrating he can create opportunities rather than simply waiting for them.
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NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI
His versatility and capacity to occupy several defensive roles could work to the Moroccan’s advantage.
Nevertheless, he has yet to establish himself as a reliable squad member.
It’s hard to visualize him thriving as a wing-back unless absolutely necessary, and he must prove he has the defensive reliability needed in a back three. The onus is on him to determine that.
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