New Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is set to make sweeping changes to his squad as he seeks to rebuild the team in his own image.
With a focus on creating a more balanced and dynamic squad, Amorim is reportedly ready to sanction the departures of both Harry Maguire and Joshua Zirkzee, with Italian giants Juventus ready to pounce. The Red Devils could be set to cut their losses on the pair, who combined cost a hefty £116.5m, with both players facing uncertain futures at Old Trafford.
Amorim’s arrival at Manchester United marks the beginning of a new era at the club. The Portuguese coach, who enjoyed great success at Sporting CP, has inherited a team underperforming in both the Premier League and the Europa League. With United currently languishing in 13th place in the domestic league and 15th in Europe, it’s clear that Amorim’s first task will be to overhaul a squad that has failed to meet expectations in recent years.
1. Amorim’s Ruthless Approach to Squad Overhaul
As he embarks on the challenge of restoring Manchester United to its former glories, Amorim isn’t wasting any time in making tough decisions. The 39-year-old is reportedly determined to move on players who don’t fit into his long-term vision for the club, and this includes both Maguire and Zirkzee. With the club’s financial constraints and a need for squad depth, Amorim’s swift and decisive actions in the transfer market will be crucial to shaping a more competitive team.
One of the most immediate changes is likely to be the departure of Harry Maguire. The former Manchester United captain has struggled to maintain his place in the starting lineup under Erik ten Hag and will now have to convince Amorim of his worth if he is to stay at the club. Despite still being under contract until 2025, it’s believed that Amorim will allow the 32-year-old to leave if the right offer comes in.
2. Juventus Eyeing Maguire as Defensive Solution
According to Il Corriere dello Sport, Juventus have identified Maguire as a priority target for the upcoming January transfer window. The Italian giants, who have been plagued by defensive injuries to Gleison Bremer and Juan Cabal, are desperately seeking reinforcements at the back. Juventus boss Thiago Motta reportedly sees Maguire as an ‘attractive target,’ and a move to Turin could provide the player with a fresh start after a difficult few years at United.
While Juventus is cash-strapped, the club is looking to secure a deal for Maguire at a cut-price fee, potentially as low as £15m. Given the financial situation at Juventus, the deal would represent a major loss for Manchester United, who paid around £80m for Maguire back in 2019. However, with Amorim seemingly ready to sanction the sale, the club may be prepared to take the financial hit to move on the English defender.
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3. Zirkzee’s Struggles Highlighted as Juventus Target Him
The other player on his way out is Joshua Zirkzee, who has also struggled to adapt to the demands of Premier League football since his £36.5m move from Bologna. The Dutch striker has scored just once in 16 appearances, and his lack of impact at United has led to speculation about his future. Juventus, according to Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla, are also interested in bringing Zirkzee to Turin, with Motta keen to reunite with the striker.
Zirkzee’s move to United has not gone as planned, and Amorim may see little value in keeping the 23-year-old around, especially given his inability to impress in his short time at Old Trafford. With Juventus keen on a loan-to-buy option for Zirkzee, United will likely have to accept a significant financial loss on the forward. Reports suggest that the striker’s lackluster pre-season and concerns over his fitness and attitude have not helped his cause at United.
4. Maguire and Zirkzee’s Combined £116.5m Investment
Together, Maguire and Zirkzee cost Manchester United a combined £116.5m, but now both players look set to leave for a fraction of that sum. United’s decision to invest heavily in the pair has not paid off, and under Amorim, it appears that the club will be cutting their losses. The upcoming January transfer window presents a pivotal moment for both players, and it seems that their time at Old Trafford is quickly coming to an end.
While neither player has yet to formally speak with Amorim about their future, it’s clear that both will face an uphill battle to remain at the club beyond the winter transfer window. Amorim’s no-nonsense approach and focus on building a squad that fits his tactical philosophy may spell the end of their United careers.
5. Amorim’s Tactical Plans Could Shape Maguire’s Future
Although Maguire has struggled for form in recent seasons, Amorim has yet to completely rule out the possibility of the former Leicester defender playing a part in his plans. The Portuguese coach, who is known for his tactical flexibility, is reportedly willing to give Maguire a chance to prove himself in the early months of his reign. However, with a new defensive structure likely to be implemented, including a possible 3-4-3 formation, the competition for spots in central defense will be fierce.
Maguire, who has experience playing in a back three for England, may find some opportunities to prove himself in this system. Still, sources close to the club suggest that a new contract is unlikely to be offered to the 32-year-old unless he can dramatically improve his form in the coming months. If Maguire fails to impress, United may look to offload him in January, especially with Juventus showing strong interest.
6. Zirkzee’s Limited Impact Under Amorim
As for Zirkzee, Amorim is likely to view the striker’s limited impact in a similar light. The Dutch forward has struggled to adapt to Premier League football, and with other attacking options at his disposal, Amorim may not see Zirkzee as a long-term solution for United. The player’s lack of goals and underwhelming performances have made it clear that he is not part of the manager’s plans for the future.
While Zirkzee has yet to speak with Amorim directly, his future at United looks increasingly uncertain. Given that Juventus is reportedly interested in a loan-to-buy deal, United may be prepared to move the player on at a loss, especially if it means freeing up resources to pursue other targets.
7. Amorim’s Ambitions and Transfer Focus
Ruben Amorim is focused on rebuilding Manchester United into a more competitive side. His tactical philosophy, which includes a preference for a three-man defense, may require reinforcements in key positions, and both Maguire and Zirkzee’s departures would open up opportunities for fresh blood. United’s pursuit of a new central defender, such as Goncalo Inacio, and potential midfield reinforcements could be key to his plans moving forward.
With both Maguire and Zirkzee likely to be offloaded, Amorim will need to carefully consider his options in the transfer market. The sale of the two players would free up financial resources for other targets, and United’s leadership will be eager to see how Amorim can reshape the squad in his image.
8. The Challenge Ahead for Amorim and Manchester United
Despite the high-profile names on the chopping block, Amorim’s challenge is far from straightforward. He will need to act quickly in the transfer market to strengthen United’s squad and ensure that the club remains competitive in both the Premier League and European competitions. The Red Devils are currently facing challenges in terms of squad depth, and the manager’s ability to make swift and decisive moves in the transfer window will be critical to his success.
As Amorim’s tenure begins, United fans will be eager to see how the manager navigates the challenges ahead, particularly in terms of player departures and arrivals. The fate of Maguire and Zirkzee is just the beginning, and Amorim’s ability to shape the squad according to his vision will ultimately determine whether he can restore Manchester United to its former glories.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for United Under Amorim
With Ruben Amorim at the helm, a new era is beginning at Manchester United. The coach’s ruthless approach to player turnover and his focus on rebuilding the team in his tactical image will set the tone for the future. The potential sale of Harry Maguire and Joshua Zirkzee to Juventus is just the start of a larger squad overhaul, and United fans will be watching closely to see how Amorim shapes the squad in the months ahead. The club’s long-term success hinges on the manager’s ability to make the right decisions, and the upcoming transfer windows will be key to determining whether Amorim can lead United back to the top.