Ruben Amorim’s dream Man Utd XI as manager eyes five stars in huge summer overhaul

Manchester United face a busy summer as head coach Ruben Amorim begins preparations for a first full season in charge, with a new striker thought to be high on the list

As Manchester United prepare for Ruben Amorim’s first summer window in charge, some positions look to require more urgent attention than others. Patrick Dorgu became Amorim’s first big-money signing when he joined from Lecce in January, but a new striker now appears to be on the cards.

Ipswich Town hotshot Liam Delap is the latest striker to be linked. He is one of five frontmen thought to be on United’s radar, after Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee’s challenging season in front of goal.

Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 set-up hasn’t been the easiest to implement for the former Sporting CP boss. There has been some progress, though, only for injuries to limit how much he has been able to put his plans in action.

That injury list is beginning to ease, though there will likely be some departures over the summer. Christian Eriksen has indicated this will be his final season at Old Trafford, while uncertainty remains over Kobbie Mainoo’s future.

The Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules may limit United’s spending power over the summer, but they’re still expected to make some additions. Here, Mirror Football takes a look at what might be in store going into the 2025-26 campaign.

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Goalkeeper and centre-backs

There have been suggestions Andre Onana might be deemed surplus to requirements after some high-profile errors. Amorim seems to have faith in the keeper, though, and a new number one is unlikely to be the highest priority given the concerns elsewhere.

Leny Yoro is likely to benefit from a full pre-season, having seen his preparations interrupted by injury last summer. It might be a different story for Lisandro Martinez as he recovers from ACL surgery, but the former Ajax star ought to be a starter when he’s back fully fit.

In terms of new faces, Dean Huijsen could well fit the age and quality profile as United prepare for at least one centre-back departure. Bournemouth star Huijsen has been linked, with Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans both out of contract in the summer, though Real Madrid could provide significant competition.

Wing-backs and midfield

With Dorgu slotting in quickly, attention has turned to the other wing-back slot. Diogo Dalot has grown into the role, though, potentially allowing United to stick with what they have in terms of senior options – especially after missing out on Geovany Quenda.

In the middle, much will hinge on whether Mainoo can be convinced to stay. Even then, Amorim indicated he saw the England international as a potential number 10.

Manuel Ugarte has benefited from more game-time and turned himself into the kind of player United hoped they were getting last summer, but they may want a new partner for the Uruguayan. Atalanta and Brazil star Ederson, who has been linked in the past, could be the solution.

Forwards

While there have been suggestions United might move Amad into a wing-back role next term, the Ivorian has shown his quality as one of Amorim’s two number 10s. Bruno Fernandes has done the same, offering more in his advanced role in the second half of the season.

All of which prompts the question of who might lead the line for United next season. Viktor Gyokeres links haven’t gone away, with Delap joining the Swede on a five-man shortlist which also includes Benjamin Sesko and Hugo Ekitike.

The fifth man on that list might be the solution, though, especially if Napoli push ahead with efforts to seal a swap deal involving Hojlund and Victor Osimhen which frees up funds for United to spend elsewhere. Nigeria striker Osimhen was the top scorer in Serie A as recently as 2022-23, and has 20 league goals on loan at Galatasaray this term, potentially making him the right man for the job.

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