The 2024/25 season marked a profoundly embarrassing chapter in Manchester United’s illustrious history, culminating in a disheartening 15th-place Premier League finish and a Europa League final defeat, leaving the club without European football for the upcoming campaign. This tumultuous period saw the mid-season arrival of new manager Ruben Amorim, tasked with the immense challenge of restoring the club’s former glory at Old Trafford.

Amorim, known for his success at Sporting Lisbon, stepped into a club grappling with a severe crisis of identity and and performance. His immediate task was to inject discipline and a clear vision into a squad that appeared to lack direction, attempting to salvage what was left of a season spiraling out of control for Manchester United.

As preparations for the new season commence, Manchester United has aggressively pursued strategic acquisitions in the summer football transfer window. Notable arrivals include Matheus Cunha from Wolves and Brentford’s forward, alongside the promising young talent Diogo Leon. These signings, while not ‘superstars’, embody the hunger and potential Amorim seeks to cultivate within the squad, aligning with his philosophy of team rebuilding with determined players.

Insights from players like Dalot suggest Ruben Amorim’s direct and uncompromising managerial style. Dalot highlighted Amorim’s effectiveness in extracting peak performance, stating the manager’s clear message: commitment to the team’s high standards is non-negotiable for anyone wishing to remain at Manchester United. This emphasis on attitude and dedication forms the bedrock of Amorim’s strategy for success in the Premier League.

The formidable challenge now facing the Portuguese manager lies in instilling consistency and clarity across all aspects of the team’s play. A critical area for immediate attention is the midfield, which frequently broke down last season, lacking both control and leadership. Re-establishing a dominant and cohesive central unit is paramount for the team’s stability and progression at Old Trafford.

Furthermore, the aggressive pressing system that defined Amorim’s successful tenure at Sporting must be consistently applied throughout Manchester United’s matches. The defense also requires a comprehensive overhaul, particularly the shaky center-back pairing. For a high defensive line to be effective, defenders must possess both pace and superior positioning sense, elements currently missing from the squad.

Beyond structural changes, Manchester United must regain its ruthless edge in front of goal, converting opportunities into decisive victories. An unwavering intensity must be visible in every single match, whether played at home or away. This relentless approach is crucial for reclaiming their competitive spirit and ensuring a stronger Premier League campaign.

With a full pre-season and his hand-picked players now at his disposal, Ruben Amorim faces his ultimate test. The time for excuses is over; he must now unequivocally demonstrate the “DNA” of Manchester United that fans have longed for. Failure to do so risks not only a repeat of the abysmal 15th-place finish but also the premature end of his tenure at Old Trafford, making this team rebuilding effort critical.