Ruben Amorim is acutely aware of the significance of his role at Manchester United given the recent developments.
The 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Sunday places United in 13th position in the league as the holiday season approaches—now sitting just seven points clear of the relegation zone and far from the Premier League summit.
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The Portuguese manager contemplated whether to join the Premier League mid-season or to wait until the end of the season before departing Sporting Lisbon.
Ultimately, the prospect of managing at Old Trafford and the challenge of reviving a struggling team proved too enticing to resist.
However, Amorim needs to achieve results quickly or risk plunging the season into chaos, which could have detrimental effects on future recruitment.
Amorim favors a 3-4-3 formation, yet many of the players he has inherited don’t fit this tactical mold.
If doubts lingered among supporters a few weeks ago, they are now likely confirmed.
According to SunSport, below are five players Amorim should build his team around, five who should be shown the door, and others whose futures remain in limbo…
STAYERS —
MANUEL UGARTE
The Uruguayan midfielder encountered challenges early on, likely due to a squad that had faltered under Erik ten Hag.
Recently, Ugarte has shown that he can be a central figure in the midfield.
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AMAD DIALLO
The Ivorian winger has spent five years at United but is finally starting to translate his potential into significant contributions.
Amorim needs his wingers to cut inside to create threats while also being adept at challenging in wide areas. Amad fits this description, showcasing remarkable pace.
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LENY YORO
Another promising young talent for United, Yoro has faced a tough start with injuries since arriving from Lille over the summer.
The 19-year-old has plenty to learn, and if Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire remain, they could assist him in fulfilling the potential he brought from France.
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BRUNO FERNANDES
While some might perceive him as a player who shines against weaker opponents, he remains pivotal to United’s offensive strategy.
However, Amorim requires his captain to remain engaged and avoid being invisible at times; when Fernandes excels, the overall performance of the team tends to follow suit.
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KOBBIE MAINOO
Mainoo has been sidelined due to injury during the beginning of Amorim’s tenure, and with three losses out of four matches since his return, the outlook is concerning.
Nevertheless, considering Mainoo is still regaining his match fitness, he has the potential to establish himself in midfield and could form a formidable partnership with Ugarte if given the opportunity.
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LEAVERS —
MARCUS RASHFORD
Rashford’s public desire to leave his childhood club may simplify Amorim’s task compared to if he were regarded as pushing away the England star.
However, it’s difficult to envision the forward fitting seamlessly into Amorim’s plans—even prior to the recent controversies.
Unlike many other potential exits, selling Rashford would make financial sense, as his transfer fee could be counted at full book value under the club’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.
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ANTONY
Many supporters in the Stretford End noticed the Brazilian’s limitations soon after his summer 2022 arrival.
Now, nearly two and a half years later, the broader fan base has caught on as well.
Winger Antony encapsulates the disappointment surrounding Ten Hag’s strategy of recruiting players from the Eredivisie with whom he had prior relationships.
The £85.5 million invested in him has proven to be a considerable disappointment, and transferring him—even at a significant loss—seems like the only practical option going forward.
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CASEMIRO
Although the Brazilian’s transfer from Real Madrid was seen as wise at the time—and he indeed scored in the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle in 2023—United is now paying for a midfielder struggling to keep up who has succumbed to the consequences of aging.
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LISANDRO MARTINEZ
Another project from Ten Hag who has seemed to struggle lately—making too many errors.
The Argentine defender, not recognized for his physical aptitude, appears to be losing competitiveness.
He gives the impression of a player detached from his responsibilities.
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LUKE SHAW
It’s unjust to place all the blame on the England left-back—still, his persistent injury issues hinder Amorim’s reliance on his consistency.
Shaw would have been an ideal candidate for the left wing-back role moving forward, had he been able to maintain his fitness. Unfortunately, that has not been the reality.
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LOTS TO PROVE —
MASON MOUNT
Another player grappling with fitness issues, having only made nine Premier League appearances in the past 18 months since his transfer from Chelsea, his situation illustrates much.
When fit, Mount undoubtedly holds significant value, even off the bench. Yet the burning question is: how reliable is he for consistent availability?
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RASMUS HOJLUND
United’s willingness to pay £64 million upfront for the Dane reflects their confidence in his potential, as he is poised to secure the starting No. 9 position.
However, Hojlund has yet to prove himself as the natural goal-getter that United envisioned when they signed him.
He remains a work in progress.
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ALEJANDRO GARNACHO
Following his exclusion during the 2-1 derby triumph over City, Garnacho has faced criticism while the search for a leak within United continues, although he has responded well in training.
Nonetheless, his current tally of three league goals is somewhat underwhelming, and last season’s Puskas Award for his incredible bicycle kick against Everton holds little significance for the new manager.
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JOSHUA ZIRKZEE
There has been little indication so far that the Dutch forward can solidify a long-term future at Old Trafford.
However, it might be premature to dismiss him after just a few months at the club.
Zirkzee needs to show his agility and promise—demonstrating he can create chances rather than merely waiting for them.
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NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI
His adaptability and capability to engage in multiple defensive roles might serve the Moroccan well.
Still, he has yet to prove himself as a consistent part of the squad.
It’s hard to imagine him thriving as a wing-back unless absolutely necessary, and does he possess the reliable defense needed in a back three? The onus is on him to find that out.
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