In a surprising development, Manchester United is set to retain Ruben Amorim as their head coach for the upcoming season, irrespective of the results from the Europa League final against Tottenham. Even though the current league season has been disappointing for fans, the club’s management feels that Amorim is worthy of an opportunity to rebuild the squad during the summer transfer window, aiming to acquire players that resonate with his strategic goals.
Currently, Manchester United finds itself in a troubling 16th position in the Premier League, having faced 17 defeats this season—making it their poorest showing since the 1973-74 campaign. Amorim, who took over from Erik ten Hag last November, has struggled to ignite a turnaround, with additional exits from pivotal cup competitions against Fulham in the FA Cup and Tottenham in the League Cup.
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However, the Europa League offers a flicker of hope during an otherwise challenging season. A win against Spurs in the final on May 21 would guarantee a place in next season’s Champions League. After suffering a disheartening 2-0 loss at home to West Ham, Amorim seemed visibly troubled, suggesting he may contemplate resignation if the team’s performance doesn’t improve.
“I’m evaluating not just myself but the overall culture within the club and the team dynamics,” he said. “We need to come back stronger this summer; it requires bravery. We cannot allow this situation to persist into the next season. If this feeling continues, perhaps it’s time for new leadership.”
He also addressed the psychological state of the players: “We’ve lost our fear of losing, and that’s a perilous mindset for an esteemed club like Manchester United.”
In his agenda for revitalization, Amorim is eyeing players such as Matheus Cunha from Wolves and Liam Delap from Ipswich, who could be critical for rejuvenating the squad. However, securing the necessary funds through player sales will be paramount, especially since Cunha carries a substantial £62.5m release clause, while Delap’s is pegged at £30m.
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The upcoming summer transfer window may witness significant departures, including Marcus Rashford, who is currently on loan at Aston Villa. The English forward comes with a £40m buy option in the deal, but United might attract a higher offer from other interested clubs.
Additionally, players like Jadon Sancho, Antony, Casemiro, and Rasmus Højlund are also potential candidates for departure, which could provide the financial lift necessary for United’s ambitious objectives.
