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Manchester United Season Preview – Ruben Amorim has a fresh start to whip the Red Devils into shape!
> Amad DialloBruno FernandesSoccer
> Amad DialloBruno FernandesSoccer
Manchester United hit rock bottom last season, slumping to a dismal 15th in the Premier League, their worst finish since the days of flared jeans and questionable haircuts in 1973-74. It was a campaign to forget, with just 11 wins from 38 matches and a fanbase left wondering if the glory days were just a dusty trophy cabinet memory. Now, coach Ruben Amorim has a full preseason to whip his side into shape and instill his back-three philosophy into a faltering side.
The club has splashed serious cash on Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, who lit up the league with 20 goals last term, and Wolves’ Matheus Cunha, who banged in 17 across all competitions. These two could be the dynamite United’s attack desperately needs for the 2025/26 season. Sure, squad depth is a lingering concern, and the Premier League is a merciless jungle where climbing the table can feel like scaling Everest in flip-flops. But this is Manchester United, 13-time Premier League champions, the Theatre of Dreams, the club that refuses to stay down. It’s hard to imagine them doing much worse than last season’s debacle. Let’s dive into what’s in store for United’s redemption arc.
Manchester United need an Amorim revival
The Amorim Era Truly Begins
Ruben Amorim arrived mid-season last year, inheriting a squad that looked more like a patchwork quilt than a cohesive unit. His high-energy, possession-based 3-4-3 system was a shock to the system for a team used to limping through matches. They were so shocked, they forgot how to play football. They limped to 15th place.
Now, with no European distractions this season, United’s first absence from continental football since 2014-15, Amorim has a full pre-season to drill his philosophy into the squad. His track record at Sporting CP, where he turned a mid-table side into Portuguese champions, suggests he’s got the chops to rebuild.
But the Premier League is a different beast, and last season’s 15th-place finish showed just how far United had fallen. Amorim’s challenge is clear: restore pride, instill structure, and make United feared again. The early signs are promising. Pre-season friendlies, including a clash against newly promoted Leeds United in Stockholm and a convincing win against West Ham during the U.S. tour for the Premier League Summer Series, have given Amorim a chance to tinker. Although it’s early doors, the squad’s looked sharper, more aggressive, and fitter.
But pre-season is one thing; the real test starts on August 17, when United face Arsenal at Old Trafford in a blockbuster opener. Amorim’s got his work cut out.
Summer Signings: Some Firepower Up Front
United’s attack was toothless last season, scoring just 44 league goals – their lowest since the Premier League’s inception. Enter Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha. Mbeumo, nabbed from Brentford, was a revelation last term, racking up 20 goals and seven assists with a knack for cutting in from the right and leaving defenders in the dust. His versatility in playing across the front line gives Amorim options galore. Cunha, plucked from Wolves, brings grit, flair, and 17 goals across all competitions last season. His ability to drop deep, link play, and still find the net makes him a perfect fit for Amorim’s fluid system.
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Elsewhere, United added Enzo Kana-Biyik from Le Havre and Diego Leon from Cerro Porteno, though both are long-term projects rather than immediate starters. The departure lounge was busy too, with Christian Eriksen, Jonny Evans, and Victor Lindelof exiting as their contracts expired, and Marcus Rashford making a loan move to Barcelona. Jadon Sancho, Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, and Tyrell Malacia are all on the ‘for sale’ list as well. The new boys up top, though, give United a fighting chance to outscore their problems while Amorim rebuilds the spine.
The Fixture List: A Brutal Start
United’s 2025/26 schedule doesn’t exactly ease them into things. They kick off with Arsenal at home on August 17, a 4:30 p.m. BST clash that’ll set the tone for Amorim’s reign. The Gunners, fresh off a near-title-winning campaign, are no pushovers, and this opener will test United’s mettle. Next up, it’s a trip to Fulham, followed by a home game against Burnley. Then comes the big one: a Manchester derby at the Etihad on September 13.
Facing Pep Guardiola’s juggernaut so early is a nightmare, but a strong showing could send a message. A week later, Chelsea roll into Old Trafford, rounding out a five-game stretch that’s the toughest opening run of any Premier League side, based on last season’s opponent finishing positions.
The festive period brings clashes with Aston Villa, Newcastle, and a spicy trip to Leeds United on January 3, reigniting a historic rivalry. The return leg against Liverpool on May 2 at Old Trafford could be pivotal, especially with United’s lighter schedule giving them fresher legs late in the campaign. The season wraps up at Brighton on May 24, a repeat of the 2023-24 finale. Navigating this gauntlet will require resilience, but if United can steal points early, they’ll build momentum for the long haul.
Key Player: Bruno Fernandes
If United are to rise from the ashes, Bruno Fernandes will be the phoenix. The Portuguese midfielder remains the heartbeat of this team, leading the league in chances created last season despite United’s struggles. His vision, work rate, and knack for clutch moments are non-negotiable. Amorim’s system, which demands quick transitions and creative freedom for attacking midfielders, should suit Fernandes perfectly.
Now 30, he’s no spring chicken, but his leadership as captain and ability to drag United through tough moments make him indispensable. Fernandes can’t do it alone, though. Last season, he looked knackered by the end, carrying a misfiring attack. With Mbeumo and Cunha now feeding off his passes, the load should lighten, but United need him fit and firing for 38 games. If Fernandes stays sharp, he could be the catalyst for a top-six push… or better.
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Young Gun to Watch: Kobbie Mainoo
Kobbie Mainoo is the jewel in United’s crown, a 20-year-old midfielder who emerged as a rare bright spark last season. His composure, ball-carrying ability, and knack for breaking lines make him hard to omit, even if he’s not a natural fit for Amorim’s system. Mainoo’s standout performances, including a goal in the FA Cup final win over Manchester City in 2023-24, showed he can handle the big stage.
With no European games to sap his energy, expect Mainoo to cement his place as a starter and potentially earn a senior England call-up by season’s end. The academy product’s partnership with Fernandes in midfield could be electric, blending youth and experience. He’s looked good already in pre-season, with Amorim highlighting his performance against West Ham. If Mainoo stays injury-free and keeps developing, he might just be the next United icon. Keep an eye on him when he’s driving forward with that effortless swagger.
Tactical Evolution: Amorim’s 3-4-3
Amorim’s 3-4-3 is a departure from United’s traditional setups, emphasising wing-backs, quick transitions, and a high press. Expect Diogo Dalot and Patrick Dorgu to bomb forward as wing-backs, stretching defenses and creating space for Mbeumo and Cunha to exploit. The back three, likely Martinez, Maguire, and Yoro, will need to be ball-playing and brave to build from the back, a hallmark of Amorim’s teams. Fernandes and Ugarte will anchor the midfield, with the former given license to roam and the latter sitting deeper to break up play.
The challenge is execution. Last season, United struggled with cohesion, often looking like 11 strangers at a Sunday league game. Pre-season has shown flashes of fluidity, particularly in the link-up between Fernandes, Mainoo, and Cunha. If Amorim can get his system clicking early, United could surprise teams. If not, expect some growing pains as players adapt to his demands.
What to expect?
Let’s be real: United aren’t winning the league. Manchester City and Arsenal are too polished, and Liverpool’s new-look squad under Arne Slot will be in the mix. But a top-six finish? That’s within reach. With Mbeumo and Cunha adding firepower, Fernandes pulling the strings, and Mainoo breaking out, United have the tools to climb back into respectability. A fourth-place finish, securing Champions League football, would be a massive win for Amorim’s first full season.
The FA Cup and Carabao Cup, where United start in the second round, offer realistic shots at silverware too. The floor? Another mid-table slog if injuries bite or Amorim’s tactics don’t gel. But the mood around Old Trafford is cautiously optimistic. The new signings, a lighter schedule, and Amorim’s pedigree suggest United are on the up. Turning the Theatre of Dreams into a fortress again will take time, but the pieces are there for a season that feels more like a revival than a requiem.
By Nicky Helfgott – NickyHelfgott1 on X (Twitter)
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