Following an encouraging 4-1 pre-season win over Bournemouth in the Premier League Summer Series in Chicago, optimism is building around Rúben Amorim’s Manchester United project. The performance offered a glimpse of what his 3-4-3 formation can deliver, but off-field transfer uncertainties are casting a shadow over the club’s momentum.
The convincing victory showcased United’s development under Amorim’s intense coaching style. Goals from Rasmus Højlund, Patrick Dorgu, Amad Diallo, and Ethan Williams reflected a sharper, more cohesive unit. Amorim praised the team’s aggressive approach and improved control in possession, highlighting progress from last season.
Højlund stood out with a well-taken goal and stronger link-up play—showing a clear improvement from his underwhelming four-goal league tally last year. “We played with intensity. We were aggressive, and that is something we need to improve from last season,” Amorim said post-match.
Signs suggest the squad is beginning to adapt to Amorim’s demanding tactical expectations. Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount linked well in midfield, while emerging talents like Dorgu showed promise. Luke Shaw emphasized the impact of Amorim’s high standards, saying there are “no stragglers” under the new regime, and that team unity has improved.
Yet, despite the bright signs on the pitch, behind-the-scenes turmoil threatens to derail Amorim’s plans. Several high-profile players—Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Antony, and Tyrell Malacia—have been deemed surplus to requirements and ordered to train separately, earning the nickname “the infamous five.”
Rashford has already sealed a season-long loan to Barcelona, while the others face uncertain futures as United seek to offload them, likely accepting financial losses to free up budget space. The club’s constrained transfer funds, impacted by existing debt, are largely dependent on these departures to finance key signings.
Deals for reinforcements such as Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo—whose £70 million price has proven a sticking point—and a reliable striker remain stalled. Though Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, both expected to add pace and creativity, didn’t feature against Bournemouth, their arrival is seen as crucial. Amorim, however, is visibly frustrated by the slow pace of the market.
Targets like Benjamin Šeško and Nicolas Jackson remain under consideration, but the club’s struggles in selling fringe players continue to hamper efforts to finalize deals. Without European competition this season, the focus is solely on domestic success, and Amorim’s tactical blueprint—which shifts fluidly between 3-4-3, 4-4-2, and 5-4-1—requires both physical endurance and tactical discipline, areas where United have been lacking.
While the win over Bournemouth offered a morale boost, it contrasts starkly with last season’s 0-3 league defeat to the same opponents—a reminder of the inconsistency Amorim must stamp out. Early setbacks in his tenure, including losses to Newcastle, Brighton, and Bournemouth, have kept expectations in check.
With a tough opener against Arsenal looming on August 17, Amorim has made it clear: only those who buy into his vision will stay. If United are to return to former heights, the squad must respond—quickly and decisively.
