Rúben Amorim isn’t playing around. As Manchester United gear up for their pre-season tour of Asia, he’s laid it all out—this recovery isn’t going to be a pleasant stroll. After a catastrophic league campaign—15th place, 18 defeats, no European nights—he’s planning nothing short of a ruthless overhaul.
Since stepping in for Erik ten Hag last November, Amorim has wrestled with a squad that looked hopeless trying to adapt to his demanding 3-4-3 setup. Injuries battered the team—Lisandro Martínez, Amad Diallo, and Diogo Dalot all spent long stretches sidelined—and the season wrapped up miserably with a narrow Europa League final loss to Tottenham.
Amorim has never been shy about calling it as he sees it. After a 3-1 defeat at Brighton, he called the group “maybe the worst team in the club’s history.” Though he later admitted he was criticising himself too, his intent was clear: nothing changes without embracing hard truths.
He’s already laid down markers for discipline. Rashford and Garnacho were both dropped for the Manchester derby for poor training standards—proof that nobody’s status shields them from consequences.
Carrington will be a crucible this summer. Amorim’s preferred system thrives on pace, relentless fitness, and tactical clarity. United’s creativity has dipped alarmingly—from 11.7 chances per 90 minutes under Ten Hag to just 9.5—and defensively, they’re a mess, with Onana’s passing shaky and slow centre-backs repeatedly punished.
Amorim is eyeing a couple of significant reinforcements—Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo are on his shortlist—and isn’t ruling out big exits. Rashford, Casemiro, and even Garnacho could be moved on to bankroll a squad refresh. Meanwhile, youngsters like Kobbie Mainoo, Sekou Koné, and Godwill Kukonki could be fast-tracked into regular roles.
A reduced fixture list next season—likely 40 to 50 matches—gives Amorim a precious window to drill his ideals: discipline, physical robustness, and sharp set pieces. Some players think his blunt approach goes too far, but his old Sporting lieutenants insist it forges loyalty in the long run.
As the squad prepares to tour Malaysia, the US, and beyond, questions linger about the readiness of signings like Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro. The fanbase is restless, the pressure is immense, and Amorim knows it. Yet he’s adamant he won’t flinch or walk away. For him, this is simple: endure the pain together now—or stay broken forever.
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