Top-level signing! A 90 million euro striker has officially agreed to join Manchester United! Amorim signs Paris wing
Is Manchester United really going to turn things around? Since the end of the Ferguson era, this English Red Devil seems to have been on a "bumpy" path. Expensive signings and frequent managerial changes have become the team's "new tradition." However, recently, something has changed. After Amorim took office, Manchester United's form gradually improved, and the tactical system began to show results. But is this the faint light before dawn or another "false spring"? The signs of recovery have excited fans, but there are still many doubts. Don't be too happy too early, as problems still persist. Can Manchester United truly rise again?
Who is Amorim? Those who know a little about Portuguese football should be familiar with his name. As a young coach, his coaching at Sporting Lisbon was called "phenomenal," not only breaking the hegemony of the Portuguese league but also showcasing a refreshing tactical mindset. This move to Manchester United is arguably the biggest challenge of his career. Jumping from the "small pond" of the Portuguese league to the "big sea" of the Premier League, Amorim clearly didn't plan to just "make a living."
His biggest highlight is his willingness to play high pressing. This tactic requires extremely high physical fitness, but the returns are obvious - more aggressive in attack and tighter in defense. To say nothing else, in recent games, Manchester United's running data and overall performance have significantly improved. For a team that has been criticized for "lacking fighting spirit" for many years, this is a big step forward.
However, problems have arisen. The high-pressing tactic is very effective against mid-to-lower table teams, but once it encounters strong teams, especially those with strong counter-attacking capabilities, the defensive line is easily exposed. Recently, during the match against Manchester City, Manchester United's defense was once breached. If Amorim wants to stand firm in the tactical battleground of the Premier League, relying on one tactic is clearly not enough. He must learn to adjust more flexibly, especially in balancing offense and defense.
In this recovery, one person must be mentioned, Bruno Fernandes. Since joining Manchester United, this Portuguese midfielder has almost taken on the full responsibility of the team's attack. However, like the team, his performance has been up and down. But recently, Bruno's state has obviously improved.
The data shows that Bruno's key pass count has significantly increased in recent games, not only creating more opportunities but also pushing the team's attack with more efficient passing. His determination and creativity make people see the shadow of his peak period again.
Of course, relying solely on Bruno is not enough. Manchester United's overall attack needs a stable system, not just relying on the occasional brilliance of a player. Amorim's arrival seems to be providing such support for Bruno. But the question is, how long can Bruno's state last? After all, relying on one person to "carry the team alone" carries significant risks.
In addition to tactical adjustments, Manchester United's transfer plans have also become a focus. As we all know, one of the problems that this team has had for many years is the left-back position. Although Luke Shaw has had some outstanding performances, his injury concerns have always been a "time bomb." This season, his frequent absences have forced Manchester United to use Dalot as a makeshift left-back, but the effect has been average.
Therefore, Nuno Mendes, the flying wing from Paris, became Amorim's top choice. This young left-back shone in Ligue 1 with excellent attacking and defensive skills, and most importantly, he is only 21 years old with limitless potential. For Manchester United, Nuno Mendes' joining can not only solve short-term problems but may also be an investment in the future.
However, some fans raised questions: Although Nuno's performance is outstanding, can he stand firm in the Premier League where "everyone is scrambling"? After all, the game rhythm and intensity here are completely different. If Manchester United spends a huge transfer fee on him and gets another "flop" in return, it would be a double loss.
In addition to the left flank issue, Manchester United's front-line dilemma cannot be ignored. Although this summer window, Manchester United spent heavily to bring in the young center-forward Hoyerun, his performance has obviously not met expectations. This season, his goal efficiency is low, and he almost "disappears" in key matches. Young players have potential, but what Manchester United needs is a striker who can plug in and use, and steadily output.
At this time, Osimhen's name came to the fore. This Nigerian forward from Napoli has proven his strength in Serie A. Not only does he have excellent physical qualities and shooting skills, but he can also stand out for the team in critical moments. According to reports from multiple media outlets, the transfer fee for this deal could be around 75 million euros. This is a gamble, but it seems that they have no choice but to take it.
Manchester United's idea is very clear: use Osimhen as the "leader" while stimulating Hoyerun's potential to form a "dual-core" forward system. It sounds beautiful, but the transfer market is always full of uncertainties. If Osimhen fails to adapt after joining, Manchester United's recovery plan may fall into an awkward situation again.
In recent years, Manchester United's transfers have basically revolved around high-priced players. From Sancho to Casemiro, these transactions have proved one thing: spending money is easy, but buying the right person is difficult. And if the two transfers of Nuno Mendes and Osimhen are completed simultaneously this summer window, Manchester United's budget will be greatly overdrawn.
The question arises: How much return can such an investment bring? If the new signings do not immediately produce results, Manchester United will not only suffer in the short term in terms of performance, but its financial planning for the next few seasons may also fall into difficulties. Moreover, relying on "spending money to buy a lifeline" to solve problems can only alleviate temporary pain. In the long run, the lack of systematic construction will only plunge the team into a vicious cycle of "robbing Peter to pay Paul."
Amorin's arrival has given Manchester United hope, but hope is never a miracle; it is built on the foundation of long-term efforts. The current tactical adjustments and transfer plans are undoubtedly the first step in Manchester United's recovery, but this path is clearly not so smooth. How Manchester United's future will unfold depends on whether they can truly find returns in their gambles. Let's hope that this time, the Red Devils won't disappoint their fans' expectations again.