Manchester United ‘To Do’ List
Manchester United have a feeling of hope and optimism, and while we’ve been here several times in the post-Ferguson era, this one feels more sensible and genuine. A manager is half a year in and knows his squad, has been able to lay down the law on who is in and out of the club, the staff above the manager feel aligned, productive and proactive, and the new signings already through the door have been impressive, while a new training ground feels like a mark of a fresh start for the club.
However, despite the positive mood and feeling going into the opening game of the season, there’s still plenty on the agenda which could quickly send the good feeling tumbling back down to earth. There’s one simple target on the pitch this season, to qualify for Europe, but that doesn’t mean the only focus is about getting top 5 in the league, as fans are more aware as ever at every aspect of the clubs behaviours and actions both externally and internally.
As a result, we’ve gone through the expected ‘to do list’ for Ruben Amorim and Manchester United for the new season, to discuss what is needing to be addressed, and how the club may go about it. It’s unlikely every aspect will be successful, but none of the points mentioned can afford to be ignored for the upcoming season, so for Ruben Amorim and Co, get to work!
As always, if you have any thoughts on Manchester United ahead of the new season or for the rest of the summer and the possible transfer activity that we could see, get in touch with us by leaving a comment, following us on Bluesky (@NextGoalWinner) or Instagram (@NextGoalWin) and check out our YouTube channel (@NextGoalWinner).
Incomings
At time of writing, United have brought in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Diego Leon, a very strong and surprising transfer window when United looked unlikely to do much other than Cunha and maybe a cheaper striker option. While the celebrations on these arrivals is still cooling down, the talk is heating up around United looking for a midfielder and possibly a keeper before the window closes.
Carlos Baleba is the biggest talking point post-Sesko, as United are in talks over a move for the solution to their midfield options, a huge area that needs to be addressed before the window shuts. While the fee would be a record transfer around the £100million mark, United could have their only opportunity for a clear run at Baleba before the other elite teams show interest next summer. Brighton have been firm in not wanting to sell, but for the right money, this could happen. However, things largely depend on outgoings to raise funds for any kind of move at this level.
For a goalkeeper, the biggest names of Emi Martinez and Donnarumma have cooled in recent days. Martinez looks to be staying at Villa, while Donnarumma looks to be heading to the other side of the City. Given the finances involved in the transfers so far, I would expect to see maybe a new back-up arrive at the club, with a possibility to replace Onana long-term, however I think United see Onana-Bayindir-Heaton as the choices for this year and maybe this will become a focus for 2026 when the younger options currently out on loan could also play a factor in the goalkeeping ranks.
If nothing happens in the rest of the window, United have already improved, but the backup to Sesko if Hojlund leaves is a bit concerning, the midfield will be something United have to sort out internally with balancing Fernandes + ??? and in goal Onana will need to have a much improved year if he is to remain past this season. I don’t personally think United are done yet, but I like the approach being taken for incomings and they won’t make any rash decisions as has happened in previous years.
Outgoings
While the incomings are the fun side of a transfer window, the outgoings are just as important. United have been horrendous at their outgoings post-Ferguson, and this is something other teams in the Premier League have mastered, but United have been left behind in this sense. There’s a minimum of 6 players from the first team who need to be on their way out whether on a permanent or loan deal. With losing Evans, Eriksen and Lindelof at the end of their contracts, this already started the squad refresh, but the following players are also on the chopping block:
Marcus Rashford – Already out on loan at Barcelona, this move will hopefully turn into a permanent deal if the player performs, and United can bring in some cash and end the saga of Rashford at United on a more positive footing.
Jadon Sancho – United don’t want him, Chelsea didn’t want him, and neither does anyone else. With one year left on his deal, United just need the wages gone this year, and that may mean a very small fee comes in, but even a loan move would be fine so long as wages are covered, as by the time the player returns he will be out of contract and this horrendous signing can be moved on and forgotten.
Antony – Real Betis want the player but can’t afford him, and so a loan move is being pushed for, but this does nothing for United as the player is at the highest value he is likely to have, another year on United won’t be able to cash in and the loan last season showed this can be a perfect match, and so they need to arrange a permanent deal even if this means staggered payments or some other financially smart move that allows them to make the deal happen. If they don’t cough up, United should keep the player or push for him to accept a move from elsewhere.
Alejandro Garnacho – Another player with one destination in mind, and Chelsea are keen but don’t want to meet the value of the player. Chelsea are well known to splash the cash, but see United’s situation as weak with Garnacho and they think they can get a cheap deal late in the window. United should play hard-ball, and be willing to let the player sit out for a season if the fee isn’t matched, and let’s see who blinks first with the player keen to play in a World Cup year.
Tyrell Malacia – A move that just couldn’t work given the injuries and change of manager, Malacia has been lumped into the ‘bomb squad’ but ultimately just needs to be moved on. A small fee would be a bonus, but just getting the player and wages out is a win for this move.
Rasmus Hojlund – I would like United to keep Hojlund as a backup to Sesko, however if the money is needed for Baleba, then cash in. A loan move with buy obligation is being discussed at around £40million which would give United a cash boost and help with any late arrivals, so maybe it’s time to just write off the relationship with United and Hojlund despite the player being keen to stay.
Along with these 6, I would also be okay with seeing moves for Casemiro, Onana and maybe one or two more if United have the option for this business, however I would expect everyone else to stick around. I also like the talk of several youngsters taking loan moves in England to gain senior experience and possibly then integrate into the first team, or possibly make a permanent move to boost the finances in the coming years. The likes of Collyer, Amass, Fredricson and a few others could see a loan move materialise this summer.
Behaviour
Cristiano Ronaldo, Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and probably many more behind the scenes dramas have taken over the club at times in recent years. Individually, the four names mentioned prior are potential world-beaters, and yet with clashes with the managers, ego overloads in the squad, lateness and a failure to meet basic standards of a top level footballer in the modern day, the behaviour and standards have been all over the place post-Ferguson.
With Amorim having the support above, there’s been an ability to make huge changes and decisions based on the attitudes of players and willingness to buy-in to the setup. Now with reports of a leadership group at the club, a slimmed down squad with lesser egos, and a no-nonsense approach to failing to meet standards, behaviours are already looking better. However, not maintaining this could bring up many old issues.
I believe United will no longer accept second-best behaviours from their stars, and even in the biggest names and highest profile talents, United will only accept someone who buys-into the setup and system. This will result in better on-field displays, a better feeling around the club, better PR, more appealing and likeable people working in and around the club and a better example to the next crop waiting to make a step up. Thinking of the clubs that have had the success in the Premier League in recent years, City, Liverpool and Arsenal have all been clear in their expectations on their players, and this is what United must resolve and maintain.
Media
With United and Premier League clubs being contracted into media commitments for all competitions, having no European football will give Ruben Amorim’s vocal chords a break, as in half of a season he took part in hundreds of interviews and press conferences last season. Along with the manager being charismatic, the club having huge attention for their failures and the media commitments, it became a bit much, and definitely needs addressing.
There’s no easy fix for Amorim’s media duties, however the lesser games this season should allow the manager to be more focussed on the job at hand, however the other side of the media comes from the players side.
With leaks, players speaking out online or general behaviour with the media present wasn’t up to the standards of a top team in recent years. Too often, players were allowed to behave how they wanted with no push back, but as part of the new discipline structure, this should also be addressed.
Finally, United generally need to up their PR team as too many stories were blown out of proportion last season, with things not even related directly to the club making the setup look disjointed and crumbling to pieces. By being more on top of stories, clarifying information before it gets too much and fighting back against the negativity and false stories, United can reclaim that media edge that they had under Ferguson when the media have to play ball with the club, rather than being given free reign to say what they want.
Tactics
With no European football, there’s no excuse for United not to be heavily understanding the ideas of Ruben Amorim on the training ground. More time training, analysing performances and video footage, and a few months of training already under their belt, United should be able to adjust to the 3-4-2-1 that Amorim desires from his squad. While I personally think United could actually benefit from having an extra body in the midfield, this is Amorim’s whole philosophy, with no major tactical changes expected to the formation, and thus United should be more prepped in this area.
The players that have come in, and those who have remained at the club over the summer all work in the system, and the link-up and passing networks should become easier with a greater atmosphere and relationship between the players, and with the club outwardly showing a positive feeling over the summer, this connection between the new arrivals and current crop of players should hopefully be a smooth transition.
There’s no more excuses for not having the right players, no excuses from having to put square pegs in round holes, and no excuses to the system not gelling, any failure on this now has to turn to the manager, and this understanding is what has to be shown this season.
Finances
Personally, the finances of any club in football aren’t really my top priority, as it’s just not my money. However, as discussed in the incomings and outgoings, and also the media sections, money has been a big issue for United. With Ratcliffe’s comments on the clubs finances, and the staff redundancies from last season, it feels a bit like cost-cutting has taken a priority, but also United have arguably needed this after recent management bad decisions.
For United’s finances, it’s about the transfer related PSR compliance, but also generally the finances involved in tickets, staff perks and other aspects which need to be managed carefully. While the club are still facing the embers of players on inflated wages and unable to get players off the books, putting this financial burden onto fan ticket prices feels crazy, while the talk of a new stadium costing billions, but staff perks getting cut also makes no sense.
United need to be heavily aware of the finances of any decision, whether it comes from player wages, incoming and outgoings, staffing behind the scenes, ticket costs or just about anything else. The might of Manchester United’s name still weights heavy in financial decisions, but given the business expertise of the new minority owner, I would expect United to become much more financially sound.
Injuries
No football club can ever avoid the fate of injury concerns plaguing a squad, however in recent years, several players at United have had major issues with becoming unavailable for large stretches, while others have had to play through injuries and a squad has been stretched with finding enough bodies to fill a squad.
With no European football this season, rotation will be less required, however looking at the squad depth it does seem like United have 2 players for every position, which should help massively if needed. While Martinez is the major player to still return from a long-term injury, everyone else is starting the season fresh, with Onana expected to be fit for the game against Arsenal, Mount and Shaw both managing to get minutes in pre-season, and the likes of Maguire who has played through injury, has been able to get some rest and become ready for another campaign. With a more sensible pre-season schedule which saw United have one consistent base, it limits unnecessary travel of recent years, and with 1 game a week, players should be okay.
I have two areas in the striker and goalkeeper positions where injuries could play a big part in the fate of the season, but I think for this upcoming season I could also imagine United finding a way around these issues, so while injuries and knocks are inevitable, I think United can feel less stressed on this for the upcoming campaign, and the inclusion of injured players in pre-season and around the new training ground will keep the atmosphere solid in case of this situation.
Youth Development
United have another strong crop of young talents on the brink of making a step up, and this year fans would love to see a new academy talent making a name for himself and getting a chance to push into the senior set-up. After the development of Garnacho and Mainoo in recent years, they’re now fully established names at the club (even if Garnacho is on the way out), and so the next player on the conveyor belt is being lined up.
The likes of Chido, Kone, Williams or Fredricson could all stake a claim this season, with minutes to be given where needed or suitable. Plus the development of Ayden Heaven also feels like a ready-made talent, so this could possibly begin the next crop of future stars. Additionally, there seems like a strong focus from the hierarchy on acquiring new young stars and getting them at the club and then either integrated or sent out on loan. This is something United had fallen behind on and need to continue to bring in some future players or at least maybe make financial and business sense in sell-ons.
One major consideration for fans is the incredible record of having an academy graduate in the squad since 1937. With Rashford and Garnacho leaving this summer, Mainoo and Tom Heaton remain the only (almost) guaranteed names in the squad, and so United need to ensure this record is not lost, as the impact this would have within the club and fanbase would cause a serious issue.
Hierarchy
After a few false-starts, the hierarchy structure at the club seems stable. The Dan Ashworth saga of last year was a huge blunder for United, and the more clear structure with the manager playing a key role in that seems like a strong working relationship where openness and honestly is respected and valued.
With Sir Jim Ratcliffe being called in when needed, the footballing matters seem to be left to Ruben Amorim, Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada. The trio have seemingly got on the same level this summer and have been spotted together while in pre-season and having a laugh and joke while also discussing matters on and off the pitch. Alongside these three, there is competent staff working on the transfers and finance side of things, people to keep an eye on youth development and other areas, and the results over the summer in terms of club actions have been a positive reflection on this.
It’s been noted how Amorim jokes around with Sir Jim and the team, and while this could quickly shift to turn sour if results don’t materialise, it feels like a positive approach, and having someone so charismatic in the dugout in Amorim, it certainly counters the negativity that comes whenever Ratcliffe does an interview, or the Glazers are seen creeping around.
Ultimately, the Glazer issue still needs to be sorted, but their departure doesn’t seem imminent, and while they’ve stepped back even further with the latest changes, they need to step back another 10 paces at least until they’re far enough away that they’re no longer associated, but that’s maybe the most wishful thinking in this entire piece.
Silverware
Finally, we have to end with some element of on-pitch success soon in the Amorim tenure. Manchester United are in a strange situation with regards to silverware, as they’ve won the League Cup and FA Cup under Erik ten Hag, and yet the league disappointments and other factors still left United fans underwhelmed. For Ruben Amorim, he’s only had a few months in the job so silverware pressure isn’t there, and actually for the upcoming season I think most United fans wouldn’t mind too much if silverware is missed out on, so long as the European qualification materialises and they don’t have a huge embarrassment in the cups.
As a result, silverware is quite low down on the list of things to achieve, however United don’t want to fall too much into the Arsenal and Arteta mould in which silverware has been so overlooked in recent years because they’re in a good place in the league and Europe. However, this is now becoming a stick to beat Arsenal with, and United have an element of expectation that a trophy is expected every 3 years of so as a minimum, meaning Amorim has this season without pressure, but that won’t last much longer going into 26/27.
As a target, United just have to aim for European qualification, and the level of Europe achieved will impact how important the domestic cups are for the club. If a top5 finish looks likely, we can forget the FA Cup and League Cup for now, however if they finish in the Conference League spots, then maybe a domestic cup run would satisfy everyone. We also must factor in the usefulness in domestic cups in helping with European qualification, so two birds one stone as they say, plus who doesn’t like winning a nice shiny trophy.
Don’t forget to share your thoughts on United with us on our social media platforms (Bluesky @NextGoalWinner – Instagram @NextGoalWin – YouTube @NextGoalWinner), and also if you think there could be any extra additions to the squad by the time the season rolls around then let us know who you think might be on the way in this summer.