Amorim Identifies Three Priority Positions for Man United Rebuild

After a difficult first half-season with Manchester United, Ruben Amorim is preparing for a comeback in the coming season. With the team struggling in the table, he has realized that tactical and practical changes need to be made to fix the squad for 2024-25.

Currently, the English club is seeking one goalkeeper, one defensive midfielder, and a striker to strengthen the team. Amorim, whose core principles include counter-pressing and positional play over possession obsession, builds up with vertical progression and is looking for the right pieces to solve the puzzle.

Who Could Replace Onana in Goal?

A goalkeeper who can participate in build-up play and demonstrate positional maturity is a crucial tactical weapon for Amorim. Despite having a contract until 2028, André Onana could potentially leave the club due to inconsistency and high-profile errors. While his ability to take risks and manipulate the press is valuable, costly technical mistakes have forced the club to consider alternatives.

Alexander Nübel, currently with VfB Stuttgart, is among the available options the Red Devils might pursue. The Stuttgart loanee excels in short passing during build-up (43.3% pass completion, 32.7% average launch distance) and typically completes 28.7 passes per 90 minutes—figures comparable to Onana. He shows confidence as a sweeper (1.9 actions per 90), but falls short in critical shot-stopping statistics such as PSxG and cross collection.

 

 

Mark Flekken (Bayer Leverkusen) possesses exceptional reflexes, currently ranking first in saves (153) among Europe’s top leagues, while Yann Sommer (Inter Milan) and Kevin Trapp (Eintracht Frankfurt) surpass Nübel in xG prevented and aerial dominance—vital qualities in Amorim’s high defensive line system.

United requires more than just distribution at this point. Amorim’s goalkeeper must assist with pressing strategies, calmly reset play, and consistently stop shots. Although Nübel meets many criteria, his unreliability in high-pressure situations remains concerning. Sommer and Trapp offer experience, stability, and composure—potentially more secure options for Amorim’s reconstruction.

Could Milan’s Fofana Suit Amorim’s Defensive Midfield Role?

Requiring a defensive midfielder who can fit into a double pivot system as a proper number 6, Amorim has specific requirements. The role demands providing an anchor during transitions with vertical passing while maintaining tactical shape—requiring exceptional tactical IQ.

Milan’s French international Youssouf Fofana emerges as a potential match for the manager’s double-pivot philosophy: tactically disciplined, physically assertive, and progressive in possession. At both Monaco and Milan, Fofana has ranked in the 95th percentile for progressive passes, ball recoveries, and carries into the final third—qualities that distinguish him from a static anchor. Last season, he averaged seven ball recoveries per game and won 4.7 duels per match, leading Monaco in both statistics.

 

However, his defensive statistics are moderate: with around 1.9 tackles per game, 1.2 interceptions, and 1 clearance, he ranks in the middle among top-tier midfielders. Nonetheless, he enhances his pressing through smart positioning and stamina, allowing him to effectively break lines and aid transitions.

Gyökeres to Arsenal Forces United to Find Plan B

Following an unsuccessful pursuit of Viktor Gyökeres, Manchester United must shift attention to alternative options. Despite Gyökeres having experience with Amorim at Sporting CP, the club was unable to present a compelling offer. However, the club has moved decisively in the transfer market, completing a £71m signing of Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford to bolster their attacking options. This move becomes even more crucial with Marcus Rashford nearing a transfer to Barcelona, creating further need for attacking reinforcements.

Among other potential options, Fiorentina striker Moise Kean presents a strong choice. With 19 goals in 32 Serie A matches and 22 goal contributions, he was recognized as one of Italy’s leading scorers, achieving an impressive xG per 90 of 0.65 and exceeding expectations by approximately five goals.

Amorim seeks a forward with both pressing intensity and tactical intelligence—and Kean fits that profile. He demonstrates excellent hold-up play, frequently dropping back to connect with midfield during transitions, while maintaining 2.8 shots per 90 minutes with over 54% accuracy. His agility, goal timing, and ability to stretch defenses align with Amorim’s dynamic front three.

However, aggressive pressing and off-ball defensive work are equally essential. According to scouting reports, Kean’s defensive contributions have improved, but his duel success rate remains average, and his creative link-up play needs development.

Apart from Kean, Benjamin Šeško combines physicality and intelligence ideally for Amorim’s attacking setup. Standing at 6’5″, he possesses significant aerial dominance, posing threats during set-pieces and crosses—essential for a system relying on high wing-back delivery. His off-ball movement is intelligent, frequently stretching defenses vertically. While his hold-up play needs refinement, his transitional ability and pressing align perfectly with Amorim’s tactical requirements.