After Manchester United’s worst Premier League season in more than thirty years, Ruben Amorim faces a daunting transformational task. In addition to working under severe budgetary constraints that limit his alternatives for rebuilding, the Portuguese manager inherited a team that fundamentally disagrees with his tactical philosophy.
The Enormous Task That Remains
With their lowest league performance since 1989–1990, Manchester United starts the summer transfer window in 16th place in the Premier League standings. The team could end up in 17th position, only one point above relegation, highlighting the enormity of Amorim’s restoration challenge.
The 3-4-2-1 formation, which is Amorim’s favored tactical arrangement, is very different from the tactics used by past managers, and the majority of the present squad is not suited to this playing style. United leadership has found the changeover more challenging than envisaged, and the adjustment has turned out to be more challenging than predicted.
Budgetary Restrictions Limit Speed of Rebuild
United’s precarious financial status poses significant challenges. True to the reconstruction timeline. The club admits that it is “at risk” of breaking the Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules. These were evident since recording losses of more than £300 million over the previous three years.
The club would lose out immensely. The losses are almost £100 million in potential earnings from European competitions if they are unable to qualify for the Champions League. Additionally, during seasons in which United does not participate in the Champions League, a £10 million penalty provision in their Adidas sponsorship agreement is activated.
Exodus of Major Players Anticipated
In the midst of Amorim’s massive squad rebuild, 14 first-team players face unclear futures this summer. Given his high salary and deteriorating physical state, Casemiro is a prime candidate to go, and other high-earning underachievers face a similar assessment.
Despite their potential for development, academy products like Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho may be sold for pure profit in order to comply with PSR regulations.
Transfer Method With Budgetary Constraints
Due to prior exorbitant spending habits, United’s summer transfer allocation is subject to Financial Fair Play regulations. After overspending in recent years, the club takes a more conservative approach, needing careful balance between player signings and sells.
Diego Leon, a 17-year-old from Cerro Porteño, is Amorim’s first acquisition, but he won’t be able to start until April 2025.
Time Limitations and Performance Standards
Whether Amorim has enough time to execute his strategy before external forces increase is the key question. Poor domestic performances will put a lot of pressure on the management beginning in the upcoming season, and fans’ patience is probably going to be limited.
Amorim’s ability to rebuild is demonstrated by his achievements at Sporting CP, where he overcame a 19-year title drought and won three Primeira Liga crowns.
Specifications for the Tactical System
Many members of the current squad lack the specific qualities that the 3-4-2-1 formation requires. Particularly in the left wing-back position, Amorim suffers with left-sided players, underscoring the need for unique hiring requirements.
The advantage of skipping European competition is that it gives you more time to prepare and gain tactical knowledge, but it comes at a high cost.
Reality of the Competitive Landscape
Without quick changes, United runs the risk of slipping farther behind as Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool keep improving their teams. Instead of slow progress, the competitive world expects rapid transformation.
Despite growing pressure, Amorim says he is determined not to give up on the project and remains confident in his ability to turn things around. His elimination of Arsenal and Champions League triumphs over Pep Guardiola show that he is a highly skilled tactician.
