After their worst season in 51 years, Manchester United have only one way forward. With a new £200m (€230m) squad, manager Ruben Amorim has the support of fans to make lasting changes. Now it’s up to him to make it happen.
From the outset, Amorim stressed that if he had a choice, he would not have taken on the difficult task of reviving English football's most successful club, although he was able to do so mid-season.
The Portuguese coach noted that he was given a “now or never” ultimatum before replacing Erik ten Hag last November and led an unconvincing squad to a string of failures – the worst result, most defeats, fewest points and fewest goals in Premier League history.
Amorim asked fans to rate him after a full pre-season to get his message across. Three new forwards give him more opportunities to succeed.
The spending came as a surprise. New co-owner Jim Ratcliffe said in March that the club was so low on cash that it was on the brink of bankruptcy by the end of 2023, when his company Ineos acquired a minority stake.
RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Cesko is expected to sign for United this weekend and could be supported by strikers Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo for the opening game of the season against Arsenal next week, who possess the one skill United's attack has lacked in recent times – Premier League goalscoring prowess.
Last season, United dropped to a stunning 15th place, conceding 54 goals, the third-worst defensive record in Premier League history.
However, their inability to score has proven to be an even bigger problem. They have scored a league-low 44 goals, five fewer than in any other Premier League season.
“The hardest thing last season was coming to games and knowing we couldn't compete,” Amorim told reporters during the club's pre-season tour of the United States.
“I'm playing better now, I'm more motivated. I also think I've learned a lot. We're going to be a better team. Not only because I truly believe we can be better, but because I truly believe I can lead the team better this season.”
We are in a better situation now, but this is just the beginning. We need to show results. And I like that pressure. If I feel before the game that we can compete, then everything will be fine. I just don’t want to go back to a situation where we are not sure that the chances are 50-50.”
Fans are encouraged by the fact that the new signings have not been fazed by United's lack of European participation this season, the first time in 11 years.
Mbeumo and Cesko have reportedly attracted interest from a number of other clubs but United's appeal remains strong despite their title drought since 2013.
“From the very beginning, I wanted to be part of this great club,” Mbeumo said after signing the contract. “Now I'm here and I'm very happy. For me, this is the greatest club in the world. The fans are amazing, the stadium is magnificent. Every player dreams of playing here.”
However, new signings are needed to significantly improve this season. Captain Bruno Fernandes described the team's performance in their last trip to the United States, a 2-2 draw with Everton, as “lazy” and called on the club to strengthen their squad before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.
Otherwise, their journey across the Atlantic was decidedly positive. Retaining the nine players who had failed to perform so well in the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur, United looked energetic and occasionally spectacular in beating Bournemouth 4-1 and also beating West Ham to end their three-game unbeaten run.
Amorim faces a tough task in the opening matches: in the first five games he will face “
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
