What does Ruben Amorim need to do to make Man Utd successful again?

Manchester United have taken a decisive first step under Ruben  Amorim by securing striker Matheus  Cunha from Wolves on a £62.5million deal. 

But according to the latest odds from FIRST.com, the Red Devils are still just 9/2 to finish in the Premier League’s top four next season and a distant 33/1 to win the title, showing just how much work remains for the Portuguese coach.

If the early and impressive signing of Cunha is to be more than a symbolic gesture, Amorim and United need to reframe their recruitment strategy, unlock their attacking set-up and rediscover their talent-production identity.

Prime-Age Talent Over Projects

United’s failure to recruit ready-made senior talent has hurt them in recent seasons. Rasmus Hojlund, signed for £72m in 2023, managed just four goals in 29 Premier League matches last term.

Instead, Amorim must back his marquee Cunha coup by bringing in experienced, prime-age players, ideally with Premier League résumés. A player like Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo fits the bill: tested, reliable and likely to hit the ground running. But United’s move for the Cameroonian seems to have stalled.

Central midfield requires similar clarity. United need a seasoned anchor – someone who can control tempo and screen the back four, not a young import who needs two or three transfer windows to find form. And, crucially, a reliable figure who can help ease the pressure on Kobbie Mainoo and allow the Carrington-bred youngster to develop.

Prove the 3-4-3 Has Edge

Amorim’s favoured 3-4-3 demands relentless attacking pressing and smooth transitions. Unfortunately, United’s 2024-25 output fell flat. They scored just 44 goals in 38 Premier League games – a strike rate of just 1.15 goals per game.

Their expected goals (xG) stood at 47.2, meaning they consistently underperformed their already disappointing underlying numbers.

To fix this, Amorim must sharpen his side’s attacking edge. That means ensuring constant width, midfield overloads and intelligent runs behind.

Adding a forward like Cunha – an expert ball carrier, creator and scoring threat – will certainly help, while a midfield pairing of experience and energy should supply the misfiring frontline with service.

United’s inability to withstand and generate pressure from midfield was a problem under Erik ten Hag. It’s an issue Amorim has yet to resolve.

Stay True to Academy Tradition

Despite the need for out-and-out talent, United cannot abandon their famed academy pipeline. The pathway from academy to first team isn’t just sentimental – it’s strategic, financially sensible and performance-proven.

As academy products Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho appear destined for an Old Trafford exit this summer, and with speculation surrounding Mainoo’s future, Amorim must ensure his envisioned rebuild does not come at the cost of the club’s dearly held connection with its youth system.

The manager must blend prime-age signings with academy graduates by giving the latter clear roles. Whether it’s a dynamic winger or a midfield utility player, these young runners bring energy and club identity. More importantly, a steady flow of youth talent keeps the dressing room fresh and engaged.

If Amorim delivers on these fronts, United’s recovery from their dismal 2024-25 campaign (42 points, worst finish since 1990) can become a template for restoration. Cunha’s arrival is promising; now he must be supported both in the squad and the system, alongside a fighting infusion of home-grown talent.

No more experiments on foreign teens – this is about ready-made quality, tactical cohesion and a rebirth of United’s identity. The Old Trafford faithful deserve nothing less.