Manchester United’s lackluster start to the Premier League season has put new manager Ruben Amorim under immediate pressure.
United’s attack has been woefully underwhelming this season, with the team managing just a handful of goals despite featuring high-profile names like Marcus Rashford, Rasmus Hojlund, and Joshua Zirkzee. The trio has combined for a meager four goals, leaving United languishing in 12th place on the table. According to insider sources, Amorim has identified the striker position as a “priority” and plans to make moves in the January transfer window to solve the issue.
A Tactical Dilemma
Amorim’s debut saw United deploy a new 3-4-3 formation, a system that demands an effective focal point in attack. However, Sunday’s outing exposed significant flaws in United’s squad. Rashford, who started as a central striker, struggled to make an impact, prompting Amorim to hint that his skill set is better suited to a wide role.
The limitations of Hojlund and Zirkzee further compounded the problem. Both have yet to convince fans and pundits that they can lead the line for a club of United’s stature. Former United chief scout Mick Brown didn’t hold back in his assessment:
“Every time they come on, they look like a couple of trialists, not starting strikers for Man United. Marcus Rashford? You never know what you’re getting with him. He has the ability, but does he have the enthusiasm to lead the line?”
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The January Wishlist
Amorim and his backroom staff are reportedly narrowing their options for a mid-season acquisition. According to reports, four names have emerged as potential targets: Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface, Eintracht Frankfurt’s Omar Marmoush, Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, and Paris Saint-Germain’s Randal Kolo Muani.
Each of these players presents a unique profile, but they also come with challenges. Boniface, for instance, would require a hefty fee to pry away from Leverkusen, where he has been a standout performer. Marmoush, currently impressing at Frankfurt, has caught United’s eye but is also expected to command a price tag between €50m and €60m.
Kolo Muani, meanwhile, appears increasingly unsettled at PSG, where he has been used sparingly. Reports suggest a loan or permanent move could be on the cards for the French international, making him a realistic option for United. Lastly, Osimhen, who is on loan at Galatasaray, might represent the most high-profile addition, with Napoli reportedly open to offers.
Striker Crisis Deepens
United’s reliance on Rashford in a central role has been a topic of debate for years. While his ability to create moments of brilliance is unquestioned, his inconsistency as a striker has often hindered United’s attacking flow. Hojlund and Zirkzee, both promising talents, have yet to show they can step up and shoulder the responsibility of leading the line in one of the world’s toughest leagues.
Brown’s assessment underscores the urgency of the situation:
“Everything you do revolves around your front man. It’s a glaring weakness in this United team, and Amorim has already identified it. January will be the moment to address it.”
The Cost of Reinforcements
While the January transfer window offers hope, it won’t come cheap. Leverkusen and Frankfurt are expected to play hardball for Boniface and Marmoush, while Osimhen’s loan situation adds complexity to any potential deal. Kolo Muani, though perhaps the most attainable target, will still require United to act decisively to beat out competition.
Amorim’s early tenure at Old Trafford is shaping up to be one of rebuilding and recalibration. After inheriting a squad that appears ill-suited to his tactical vision, the Portuguese manager must now convince the club hierarchy to invest heavily in reshaping the team.
Pressure on Amorim
The stakes are high for Amorim, who faces the dual challenge of implementing his philosophy while securing immediate results. With United already slipping out of contention in the top-four race, January’s transfer activity could define his first season in charge.
Amorim’s focus on the striker position makes sense given United’s goal-scoring woes, but it’s also indicative of a broader issue. The squad’s balance and depth remain under scrutiny, and reinforcements in other areas might also be necessary to support his vision.
What’s Next for United?
For now, United fans must endure the growing pains of yet another transitional period. But with Amorim already taking bold steps to address the team’s weaknesses, there is hope that January could bring a turning point. Whether it’s Boniface, Marmoush, Osimhen, or Kolo Muani, the next striker to don the famous red shirt will carry the weight of expectations—and the responsibility to revive United’s fortunes.
The January window is still weeks away, but the urgency is clear. If United are to salvage their season and restore their status as Premier League contenders, Ruben Amorim’s January priorities must deliver results—and quickly.