Manchester United’s 2024/25 Premier League campaign was a historic nadir.
A 15th place finish, 18 defeats, and a mere 44 goals. The club’s worst top flight performance in half a century, rivalling the 1973/74 season that ended in relegation.
A trophyless year, sealed by a Europa League final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, has excluded United from next season’s Champions League. For a club synonymous with success, this collapse demands a ruthless rebuild under Rúben Amorim; appointed in November after Erik ten Hag’s abrupt sacking by Ineos and Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
THE SYSTEM not clicking…. yet
The transition to Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system exposed glaring squad deficiencies.
The attack, led by Rasmus Højlund, faltered alarmingly. Højlund’s three month goal drought, exacerbated by an early season hamstring injury, choked United’s offensive output.
The pursuit of Sporting’s Viktor Gyökeres, a prolific striker familiar with Amorim’s tactics, signals intent to address this, but negotiations depend on offloading high earners and there’s always the question of what if it doesn’t work out for him. Haven’t we watched that movie enough times before?
Joshua Zirkzee has shown flashes of brilliance but the burden to be United’s talisman scorer might be too heavy for his shoulders also not ignoring his injury marred campaign.
Defensive Woes
Defensively, André Onana’s frantic errors have been costly, very costly.
As my buddy with whom I watch most of my matches would put it, “He’s lost us games more than he’s won us”. Rumours of possibly recruiting Emi Martínez potentially suggest that the board might have had enough just as the fans and the backline might be undergoing yet another reshuffle to meet Amorim’s demands.
Hopeful Performers
Amid the gloom, young talents offer hope. Leny Yoro, an 18 year old signing, has adapted seamlessly to Old Trafford after being publicly pursued by Real Madrid. His performances mark him as a future defensive cornerstone alongside Martínez.
Amad Diallo, 22, has been a revelation, contributing 10 goals and eight assists. His versatility excelling as a number 10 or right wing back has electrified fans, with feats like a 12 minute hat trick against Southampton. Amad appears to be the heartbeat of United’s future.
Bruno Fernandes remains United’s linchpin, delivering 21 goals and 19 assists across all competitions. His leadership in comebacks mainly against Lyon and Athletic Bilbao indispensability. His public declaration of devotion for the club was reaffirmed when he had annouced rebuffing Al Hilal’s big money move unless the club wanted him out.
Noussair Mazraoui, a £12.8m arrival from Bayern Munich, has also exceeded expectations. His composure and adaptability, shifting between right back and right sided centre back have made him a rare bright spot in a turbulent season.
recruits under INEOS and Amorim thus far
New signings Patrick Dorgu, who slotted into the left wing back role, and Manuel Ugarte, revitalized under Amorim, show promise, but injuries to Matthijs de Ligt and Luke Shaw exposed defensive frailties. A new left back is critical and a centre back added would be a luxury also likely opening the door to Luke Shaw’s departure, one that can’t be argued with.
Other youngsters shine through the cracks.
Ayden Heaven, signed from Arsenal in January, stepped up during injury crises in February and March, displaying composure beyond his years until an injury halted his progress. Academy prospects like Toby Collyer, a tenacious midfielder, and Harry Amass, a dynamic left back tipped for a loan, promise long term potential.
Forwards Chido Obi Martin and Sekou Kone, both raw but talented with very high talent ceilings, are ones to watch, though they need time to mature. These players signal a shift toward a leaner, younger squad, a necessity with no European football next season.
LOAN WATCH and departures
The loan market has been a mixed bag. Tyrell Malacia’s underwhelming meagre appearances at PSV signal a likely permanent exit. Jadon Sancho, now a Conference League winner with Chelsea is on the verge of returning despite a penalty clause, Antony at Real Betis seems to have found his level in terms of club and league, and Marcus Rashford at Aston Villa has not really set the world on fire also read as underperformed.
These sales would offer financial relief. Rumours of Alejandro Garnacho’s unrest, feeling undervalued, add urgency to squad streamlining. Selling academy graduates like Rashford and Garnacho would yield pure profit, easing Financial Fair Play pressures.
Casemiro’s ageing legs would also warrant a like for like replacement. Victor Lindelöf and Christian Eriksen’s expected departures will further trim wages but deplete experience, testing Amorim’s ability to balance youth and stability.
tHE PAST IS BEHIND US – AMORIM MUST NOW DELIVER
Amorim’s rebuild is a monumental task, but one United seem to be attacking in the right way.
The pursuit of Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, who scored 20 Premier League goals, and the coveted signing of Wolves’ Matheus Cunha reflects ambition, but United must continue to be quick and decisive.
Rivals Liverpool, have equalled in on United’s league title record, raising the stakes higher than ever before. With no European football, a leaner squad built around Diallo, Yoro and Fernandes, is essential.
Amorim’s vision of blending youth, tactical cohesion, and strategic signings like Gyökeres and possibly Mbuemo, defensive midfielder, left wing back, centre back and goalie offers hope, but the road to restoring United’s pulling power is daunting. The foundations are there, they always have been but only ruthless execution will see the Red Devils rise again.