Struggles Continue at Old Trafford
Changes are brewing at Manchester United this summer as Ruben Amorim, the club’s current manager, plans a significant overhaul. Despite the substantial optimism that greeted his arrival in November, the Red Devils have continued to face challenges, and their current form suggests a tough battle to secure a spot in the Premier League top half by season’s end. The team’s performance has been a stark reminder of the club’s recent struggles, and the pressure on Amorim to deliver results is mounting. Tactical shifts to a 3-4-3 formation have not yielded the expected dividends, with several key players finding it difficult to adapt to the new system. This scenario has left the club and its fans in a state of anxiety, questioning whether the changes will be enough to turn things around.
Mixed Results and Player Adaptation
The mixed results from Amorim’s tactical changes have highlighted the club’s ongoing issues. While some players have thrived in the new setup, others have struggled to find their rhythm. The 3-4-3 formation, which has been a cornerstone of his plans, has not been as effective as anticipated. This has led to a drop in form for several key players, including Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford, who have been on loan spells at Chelsea and Aston Villa, respectively. The uncertainty surrounding their futures adds another layer of complexity to the club’s planning. Amorim’s desire for a fresh start in the 2025/26 season is evident, but the reality is that he will not be able to offload every player he deems surplus to requirements. The club must navigate these challenges carefully to rebuild its once-potent squad.
Goal Scoring Woes
One of the most pressing issues facing Manchester United this season has been their goal-scoring struggles. With just 33 goals in 27 Premier League games, the club is on a trajectory to break the record for the fewest goals scored in a Premier League season, which currently stands at 49 from Louis van Gaal’s 2015/16 campaign. Bruno Fernandes, the team’s captain and top scorer, has managed to net 11 goals from midfield, but the forward line has been woefully inadequate. Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund, the strikers brought in with high hopes, have scored only three and two league goals, respectively. The stark contrast between their performances and the club’s expectations has led to growing frustration among fans and critics alike.
Hojlund Under Scrutiny
Rasmus Hojlund’s performance has come under intense scrutiny, particularly from former United scout Mick Brown. Brown’s comments, as reported to Football Insider, reflect the disappointment many feel with the Danish striker’s lack of progress since his £64m ($82.5m) move from Atalanta in 2023. "It’s unthinkable when you consider the capital invested in him," Brown remarked. "When the kid from Arsenal [Chido Obi-Martin] came on vs. Fulham, it says a lot that he made more of an impact on that game than Hojlund did. I’m not saying he’s the answer, but they’re better off working with him and putting faith in him, than they are with Hojlund. Everybody says he’s young and might do it in the future, but he’s not showing that for me." Brown’s critique is harsh but not without merit, as Hojlund has indeed struggled to justify his hefty price tag. His failure to improve since Amorim’s arrival has only added to the concerns.
Zirkzee’s Potential
Joshua Zirkzee, while also below par, has managed to stay in the manager’s good books, partly due to his versatility and lack of Premier League experience. The Dutch forward, brought in to provide depth and a different attacking option, has scored three league goals, a modest return but better than Hojlund’s. Zirkzee’s ability to play in multiple positions offers some flexibility, which could prove valuable as the club looks to revamp its attack. However, his loan spell at Leicester City did not yield the results United hoped for, and his future at the club remains uncertain. The club will need to decide whether to give him more opportunities or explore other options to address the goal-scoring deficit.
Looking to the Future
As Manchester United prepares for the summer transfer window, the focus will be on identifying and acquiring players who can seamlessly fit into Amorim’s new system and provide the goal-scoring prowess the team lacks. The club is reportedly lining up former Manchester City prospect Chido Obi-Martin to solve a "problem position," which could signal a shift towards younger, more dynamic talent. Amorim’s tenure at the club is still in its early stages, and he will need time and the right resources to implement his vision fully. The upcoming transfer market will be crucial in determining whether the club can make the necessary adjustments to return to its former glory. Fans and stakeholders alike will be watching closely to see how the club addresses these pressing issues and whether the changes will finally bring the success they crave.
