Manchester United’s struggles have reached a historic low, with even their manager Ruben Amorim admitting this might be the worst team in the club’s history.
However, the solution lies in strategic transfers in the coming window that address key weaknesses. For starters, according to The Athletic FC it would be in Man United’s best interest to focus on signing players aged 24 to 28 – athletes in their prime who are durable, aggressive, and ready to contribute immediately.
Given United’s limited budget of around £120 million plus potential sales, they must prioritise sensible signings rather than risky gambles. The club’s recent poor performances, finishing eighth and 15th in the last two seasons, raise questions about their appeal, but there are glimpses of hope in their underlying metrics.
Amongst the club’s most pressing issue is their lack of goals. Their attacking stats have declined sharply (44 GF | 54 GA), with only Everton and relegated teams scoring fewer goals last season.
Players like Højlund and Garnacho underperformed their expected goals, highlighting the need for a clinical striker and more creativity. Two standout transfer targets could address this: Matthijs Cunha from Wolves, who offers creativity but comes with questions about sustainability, and Brentford’s Bryan Mbuemo, a dynamic forward with exceptional numbers (20 goals and 7 assists in 38 Premier League games). Mbuemo’s defensive work rate and unpredictability in attack make him an ideal fit for United’s needs.
MORE: Man United sign Brazil forward Cunha from Wolves
Beyond attack, United’s midfield structure is a major weakness. Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes, while talented, leave gaps in transition due to their positioning. Fernandes’ tendency to attempt risky passes often leaves the team exposed. A potential solution could be signing a world-class midfielder like Carlos Baleba from Brighton, who combines aggression, technical skill, and tactical intelligence. A more budget-friendly option might be Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, a versatile midfielder who excels in both defense and attack while adding much-needed physicality.
Defensive improvements are also crucial, particularly in build-up play. United’s current center-backs lack the composure and distribution needed for a possession-based system. Taylor Harwood-Bellis, despite Southampton’s relegation, stands out as a promising option. His ability to break lines with progressive passes and composure under pressure could transform United’s backline. While he has made errors, his potential makes him a worthwhile investment for the future.
United must focus on signing a proven striker, a creative midfielder, and a ball-playing defender to address their biggest flaws. While players like Cunha, Mbeumo, Baleba, Anderson, and Harwood-Bellis may not be glamorous names, they fit the profile of what the club needs: hungry, tactically astute, and ready to compete immediately.
These changes won’t come cheap, but they represent a sensible approach to rebuilding a fallen giant.
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