While the summer transfer window has been positive in many ways, Manchester United have made the same mistake with Rúben Amorim as they did with Erik ten Hag in charge.
Manchester United were busy in the transfer market after their embarrassing 15th-place Premier League finish last season, topped with a loss in the Europa League Final to Tottenham Hotspur.
The new attacking additions of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Šeško could make United a formidable force going forward, a complete change from last season when they scored just 44 goals in the Premier League.
Senne Lammens coming in as an option between the sticks should also improve Rúben Amorim’s side, as finding a stable goalkeeper has been quite the challenge for United since David de Gea’s departure.
United fans will be praying that Lammens is an improvement on Altay Bayindir and Andre Onana, who have both been poor this season and cost United goals single-handedly.
The outgoings – including Antony, Rasmus Hojlund, Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho – will also be a big boost for United as they have finally raised some transfer funds, even if three of those players left on an initial loan deal.
United make transfer mistake with Amorim
Under Erik ten Hag, United looked to back the manager with several expensive additions. However, the majority of new signings were recommended by the Dutchman, as he had worked with them before.
Eight of United’s signings under Ten Hag had played or trained under him before his time at United, and Tyrell Malacia was recommended because of his performances against Ajax in the Eredivisie.
While Amorim hasn’t gone all-out on players who he’s worked with before, GMS Sport have said that: “Amorim was heavily involved in the process and is satisfied with the outcome. Manchester United know the rebuild is far from complete, but insiders believe this represents a strong step forward.”
If Amorim does leave the club – which appeared to be a real possibility after the Carabao Cup defeat to Grimsby Town – then United could again be back to square one, as a manager will have to come in for a set of players that Amorim signed.
Are United destined for a back three for the foreseeable?
With Amorim’s signings, United are very well set up for his 3-4-2-1 system in every position, apart from the double pivot with Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes.
Patrick Dorgu is the ideal type of profile for a left-wing-back, but could struggle to play in a back four system if Amorim did leave Old Trafford and a new manager came in.
Amad and Mbeumo would be exceptional right-wing options, but Cunha isn’t a natural left-winger, and Mason Mount isn’t either.
United appear to have, once again, put all their eggs in the Amorim basket, as they did with Ten Hag and Jose Mourinho and many other managers. It could take time to adapt from the 3-4-2-1 formation if Amorim leaves.
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