How Ruben Amorim’s Transfer Strategy Will Reshape Manchester United This Season

Ruben Amorim’s approach to the transfer market signals a fundamental shift in Manchester United’s squad-building philosophy, with major implications for the club’s playing style, squad composition, and long-term trajectory. 

1. Prioritizing Clinical Attackers to Solve Scoring Woes

Last season, United struggled to convert chances, finishing near the bottom of the league for shot accuracy and underperforming their expected goals by a significant margin.  

Amorim’s transfer targets directly address this: the arrivals of Matheus Cunha from Wolves and the imminent signing of Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford bring proven Premier League attackers who excel at outperforming their xG (expected goals).  

Mbeumo, in particular, was the league’s best overperformer in this metric last season, while Cunha also ranked highly, suggesting both can add the clinical edge United desperately lacked12. 

2. Tactical Overhaul: The 3-4-2-1 System

Amorim is committed to a 3-4-2-1 formation, a system that demands versatile forwards and dynamic midfielders1. Cunha and Mbeumo are expected to fill the two advanced attacking roles behind a central striker, mirroring the structure that brought Amorim success at Sporting CP1. This tactical shift will require adaptation from existing stars, most notably Bruno Fernandes, who may be moved into a deeper midfield role to accommodate the new arrivals. 

3. Youth Development and Academy Integration

With financial constraints heightened by the absence of Champions League football, Amorim is placing renewed emphasis on United’s academy.  

He has openly stated that the club will focus on enhancing the existing team and developing young talent from within, rather than relying solely on expensive signings.  

This strategy echoes his success at Sporting, where he built a title-winning side around emerging homegrown players4. Expect increased opportunities for prospects like Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo, and Leny Yoro to stake their claim in the first team. 

4. Targeted Recruitment and Squad Streamlining

Rather than a scattergun approach, Amorim is pursuing specific targets who fit his tactical vision, such as Viktor Gyökeres, and others highlighted as top priorities.  

At the same time, he is willing to let established names depart if they do not suit his system or if significant offers arrive, as seen with the potential exits of Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho to name few. This streamlining is designed to create a more balanced, cohesive squad, tailored to Amorim’s requirements. 

5. Building for the Long Term

Amorim’s transfer strategy is not just about immediate results but about laying foundations for sustainable success. By blending shrewd signings with academy development and a clear tactical identity, he aims to restore United’s competitiveness while maintaining flexibility under Financial Fair Play constraints.

Ruben Amorim’s transfer strategy will reshape Manchester United by injecting clinical attacking quality, implementing a distinct tactical system, integrating youth, and focusing on targeted, system-specific recruitment. The result should be a leaner, more dynamic squad built for both immediate improvement and long-term growth.