Manchester United faces a pivotal new era under Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim, who is determined to reshape the squad after a challenging period. As the team embarks on its preseason preparations, several key players find themselves at a crucial crossroads, needing to significantly impress the new manager to secure their long-term futures at Old Trafford.
Following a particularly disappointing season, the pressure is mounting on many members of the Manchester United squad. The American preseason tour has served as an initial proving ground, yet with further squad adjustments anticipated, numerous players are entering a make-or-break campaign. Their objective is clear: demonstrate their indispensability and adaptability to Ruben Amorim’s tactical philosophy to remain a vital component of the team’s revitalization.
Midfielder Mason Mount faces a particularly critical season, aiming to finally overcome two years plagued by injuries that have severely limited his impact since his £60 million arrival in 2023. Despite only completing a single full match for United, Amorim reportedly admires the 26-year-old’s pressing ability, which aligns with his strategic requirements. However, fierce competition for the two No. 10 roles in the preferred 3-4-2-1 formation, compounded by significant new signings, means Mount must rapidly rediscover his impactful Chelsea form to secure a regular starting spot.
Forward Joshua Zirkzee openly acknowledged during the U.S. tour that Manchester United fans have yet to witness his best since his £36.5 million move a year ago, recognizing the widespread desire for tangible on-field contributions. A central debate revolves around his optimal role within Amorim’s system: whether he excels as a central striker or is better suited to a No. 10 position. Regardless, this season presents a vital opportunity for Zirkzee to unequivocally demonstrate his long-term viability at Old Trafford, with a significant increase in his three Premier League goals from his debut campaign being a crucial metric for success.
Luke Shaw’s capabilities as a left-back are largely undisputed, yet his consistent fitness remains the paramount concern for both club and national team managers over the past two seasons. His potential fit as the left-sided center-back in Amorim’s three-man defense appears ideal, and the absence of European football next season could provide crucial recovery time between matches. Despite his potential to be a key figure, another season hampered by injuries could regrettably prompt discussions about his future beyond next summer, underscoring the urgent need for a sustained period of fitness.
Young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, a standout performer at Euro 2024, surprisingly saw limited game time towards the end of last season, notably appearing only as an 89th-minute substitute in the final defeat to Tottenham. While Ruben Amorim has publicly expressed “big plans” for Mainoo, he also delivered a clear challenge for the 19-year-old to “increase the rhythm, the pace” given the heightened competition and a single-game-per-week schedule. This highlights a critical period for Mainoo to elevate his intensity and secure a more prominent role within the squad.
The goalkeeper position also remains under scrutiny, despite recent investments in other areas of the squad. While a loan bid for a 32-year-old international was reportedly rejected and tentative interest exists in another 26-year-old with a year remaining on his contract, André Onana’s apparent desire to stay suggests he may have another season as Manchester United’s primary custodian. For Onana, this represents a crucial opportunity to eliminate the costly errors that have characterized his inconsistent two-year tenure and unequivocally prove he is the long-term solution between the posts.
In essence, the upcoming season under Ruben Amorim represents a monumental proving ground for a significant portion of the Manchester United squad. From established talents battling injury woes to emerging prospects needing to accelerate their development, each player faces a unique challenge to cement their place. The stakes are incredibly high, as only those who consistently meet the demanding standards of the new manager will ultimately shape the future success of this iconic club.
