The Urgent Call for Transformation at Manchester United
The need for change at Manchester United is palpable, with the club facing a significant challenge under the tenure of Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim. Having taken over from Erik ten Hag in November 2024, Amorim’s journey at Old Trafford has been a mixed bag, characterized by highs and lows. The club’s performance in the Premier League (EPL) has been particularly concerning, with United currently languishing in 15th place, having scored a mere 33 goals in 27 games. This statistic is alarming, especially when considering that the club’s record for the lowest goals scored in an EPL season stands at 49, set by Louis van Gaal’s team in the 2015/16 campaign. Amorim is acutely aware that May will bring a reckoning, and he must find a way to boost his team’s attacking prowess to avoid this unwanted distinction.
Bruno Fernandes: Leading from the Midfield
Despite the overall underperformance of the team, club captain Bruno Fernandes has been a beacon of light, remaining Amorim’s top scorer with 11 goals from midfield. Fernandes’s ability to contribute both defensively and offensively has been a crucial factor in keeping United’s hopes alive. However, the burden of goalscoring cannot rest solely on the shoulders of a midfielder. The forwards, notably Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund, have struggled to make a significant impact, with Zirkzee scoring just three goals and Hojlund managing only two in league matches. This shortfall in goals from the attacking positions has been a persistent thorn in Amorim’s side, and addressing it is paramount to the club’s future success.
Hojlund and Zirkzee: Evaluating the Future
The future of Rasmus Hojlund at Manchester United is highly uncertain, with rumors swirling about a potential exit. Hojlund, despite his talent, has not been able to translate his abilities into consistent goal-scoring performances. Conversely, Joshua Zirkzee has been given an additional year to prove himself, indicating that the club still sees potential in the young forward. However, the pressure to perform is immense, and Zirkzee will need to demonstrate a marked improvement to secure his place at Old Trafford. Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho, both key figures in the team, are also reportedly on the move this summer. Their departures could significantly reshape the squad and provide Amorim with a clean slate to build his ideal attacking lineup.
Amorim’s Quest for a Reliable Striker
Ruben Amorim is on a mission to find a reliable goal scorer who fits seamlessly into his system. One of the names that have caught his attention is Viktor Gyokeres, a former Sporting CP star with whom Amorim has a good working relationship. However, Gyokeres’s acquisition could prove too costly, potentially derailing other transfer plans. This has led Amorim to evaluate targets within the Premier League, where he believes he can find a suitable striker at a more manageable price. One of the standout options is Jean-Philippe Mateta, the fan favorite at Crystal Palace. Mateta’s recent performances have made him a coveted player, and Amorim sees his potential to enhance United’s attack.
Jean-Philippe Mateta: A Late Bloomer at Crystal Palace
Jean-Philippe Mateta’s journey to becoming a top scorer in the Premier League is a tale of late blooming. After transferring from German side Mainz to Crystal Palace in 2022, the France international initially struggled to adapt to the physical and tactical demands of the EPL. However, over the past 18 months, Mateta has undergone a remarkable transformation, emerging as one of the league’s most prolific forwards. He scored 16 Premier League goals in the 2023/24 season and has already netted 12 goals in the 2024/25 campaign. Mateta’s all-around game, characterized by his physicality, movement, and clinical finishing, aligns perfectly with Amorim’s tactical requirements for a central attacker. His impressive numbers, including three goals in three EPL games against United, suggest that he could be the answer to the club’s goal-scoring woes.
The Transfer Dilemma: Palace’s Demands and United’s Options
Crystal Palace, recognizing Mateta’s value, will not part with him easily. According to reports from the Daily Mirror, the club is demanding a hefty £40m ($52m) for their prized asset. While this sum is substantial, it is considered a fair price given Mateta’s form and his contract, which expires in 2026. The uncertainty surrounding his contract renewal adds a layer of complexity to the transfer negotiations, but it also presents a golden opportunity for Palace to capitalize this summer. For Manchester United, the key will be to offload some of their current attackers to free up the necessary funds. The potential moves of Rashford, Sancho, Hojlund, and Zirkzee could provide the financial flexibility needed to bring in a player of Mateta’s caliber. Amorim’s ability to navigate these transfer negotiations will be crucial in shaping the future of Manchester United’s attack.
