The honeymoon period for Ruben Amorim is well and truly over at Manchester United, and with a full pre-season under his belt, expectations are growing for what can be achieved in the 2025/26 Premier League season.
Having come through a tough few months last term, as the side adapted to his philosophy, with new additions to the squad and a fresh slate for the new campaign, supporters will be desperate to see progress on the field from their beloved Red Devils this season.
Amorim needed time
It was always going to be difficult for Amorim to go to Old Trafford, wave a magic wand, and see the Red Devils spring back to their title-winning best.
United are now 33/1 in the Premier League winner odds to claim the title this season, having come through a tough spell under previous boss Erik ten Hag.
So for those who bet on football online, backing United for the trophy may not appeal as the most promising selection currently.
Despite winning the FA Cup the previous campaign, Erik ten Hag’s time in Manchester was brought to a premature end, and the club’s hierarchy switched their focus to Amorim.
The Portuguese tactician was believed to be initially keen on joining the Red Devils at the end of the 2024/25 campaign, to avoid what he foresaw as a difficult transition from Sporting CP mid-season.
Amorim was proved correct in his assessment, but when a club like Manchester United comes calling, it’s hard to put them on hold.
Trying to adapt his new side to his preferred 3-4-3 system took time, and there were always going to be teething problems with a squad not of his making.
Finishing down in 15th place in the Premier League table and missing out on Champions League football after losing the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur, it was a tough watch for United supporters at the end of the season.
However, a new season brings new opportunities, and now there is growing excitement about what can be achieved at Old Trafford this term.
Amorim making his mark on United squad
Moving on players not in his plans and bringing in fresh faces ready to take on the challenge, Amorim is starting to put his stamp on this United squad.
It was clear at the end of last season that all was not well in the camp, and Amorim has been forced to make some big calls on personnel.
Marcus Rashford, once the darling of Manchester United, has been moved on to pastures new with a loan move to Barcelona, while there will be others out the door before the start of the Premier League season.
The Red Devils have been busy bringing added firepower to their attack for the campaign to come.
Big money has been spent to land Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers and Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford. Scoring just 44 goals in 38 Premier League games last season, United were outscored by all but four teams.
It’s an area the club has been determined to address, and it would be little surprise to see even more forwards through the door at Old Trafford this summer.
The honeymoon period for Amorim is over, and now it’s time for progress to be shown on the field for a United fanbase desperate to see their side work their way back to the top.
Feature image: Free to use from Unsplash
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