Manchester United’s Transfer Window: Struggles, Strategy Changes & What Lies Ahead

‎At the end of last season, Ruben Amorim identified two key transfer priorities for Manchester United.

‎He was seeking a proven goalscorer to strengthen their attack. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of signing a reliable goalkeeper for important moments.

‎The campaign ended on May 25 but with just over a month until the new season begins against Arsenal, neither issue has been resolved. In fact, the situation is worse than expected.

‎No moves in attack

‎Manchester United have signed Matheus Cunha and are close to securing Bryan Mbeumo, but Ruben Amorim still does not have the striker profile he initially requested.

‎He strongly advocated for Victor Osimhen or Viktor Gyokeres, as he wanted a No.9 with presence, pedigree, and consistency.

‎Amorim was not convinced by a potential move for Liam Delap and made it clear he didn’t believe it would significantly elevate the team’s level.

‎Internally, there is also frustration that no attackers have been moved on.

‎Marcus Rashford, Rasmus Hojlund, Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, and Antony are all still with the club, which was not part of the original plan.

‎Ruben Amorim had hoped for at least two players to leave by now to reshape the front line. There is an ongoing effort to secure at least one departure before the start of their US tour.

‎Goalkeeping problem

‎The goalkeeping situation has taken a turn for the worse. Andre Onana, who previously lost some trust with the coaching staff due to inconsistent performances last season, is now injured and likely to miss pre-season.

‎There are no personal issues between Amorim and Onana, but the manager has grown frustrated with his inability to reliably execute basic skills.

‎This injury complicates plans to evaluate and strengthen the goalkeeping department ahead of the new season.

‎He wants to build from the back with confidence, but that has not been possible.

‎United were open to offers for Onana in the window, and although there were conversations with intermediaries, no concrete bids have arrived. Onana’s camp made it known that he was not actively seeking a move, and that has complicated matters further.

‎Ideally, Amorim would have replaced him, but if not, the plan was always to bring in a goalkeeper to compete with Onana. That remains the case.

‎Sources say a new signing is in the works and that whoever comes in should be capable of taking Onana’s starting role.

‎Czech stopper Radek Vitek may feature for United in pre-season, but nobody at the club sees him, current back-up Altay Bayindir, or emerging academy product Elyh Harrison, 19, as a genuine challenger for the number one spot.

‎It is understood that recent talks have taken place with representatives of Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp and John Victor from Botafogo, suggesting the club is narrowing its transfer options.

‎Several other players are also still being considered, and the club wants to make decisions quickly. Amorim is aware that he needs reinforcements both offensively and defensively to start the season confidently.

‎He believes that strengthening these areas will help him manage the challenges of the early stages of the campaign with greater clarity.