Rúben Amorim is about to face the most defining chapter of his managerial career as he prepares for the 2025/26 season with Manchester United.
After a tough initial period at the helm — having taken charge in November of the previous year — the Portuguese manager was unable to reverse United’s decline as they slumped to a bottom-half Premier League finish.
His impact was limited, however, by an inherited squad and the absence of significant reinforcements, with only Patrick Dorgu joining in January as a first-team addition.
Now, Amorim finally has the chance to reshape the squad in his image. With the transfer window fully open, United’s hierarchy, backed by INEOS and sporting director Dan Ashworth, have begun targeting players who align with the manager’s tactical philosophy.
This summer marks a major turning point for the club — and for Amorim — in restoring Manchester United’s competitiveness at the top level.
Among the notable transfer pursuits, Bryan Mbeumo of Brentford has been a priority. The Cameroonian winger, who netted 20 goals in 38 Premier League games last season, has expressed his willingness to join United despite interest from Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle.
United initially had a £55 million bid rejected but have since followed up with a £60 million offer, which is currently under serious consideration by Brentford. Mbeumo is expected to undergo a medical next week, potentially becoming United’s second summer signing after the acquisition of Matheus Cunha from Wolves for £42.5 million.
Amorim sees Mbeumo as a key asset to boost creativity and scoring options in the attacking third, particularly in the right-wing role.
However, another transfer target may be even more crucial to the team’s structural needs: Ronald Araújo of Barcelona.
United are reported to have submitted a bid in the region of £38 million for the Uruguayan defender, a figure that Barcelona may accept as they look to fund other deals. Araújo is also attracting interest from Bayern Munich and Juventus, but United appear to be leading the race.
The need for defensive reinforcement has become urgent following the confirmed departures of Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelöf, which leaves a considerable gap in the centre-back department.
Araújo’s elite defensive qualities and impressive distribution make him a perfect fit for Amorim’s preferred build-from-the-back strategy.
With a 92% pass completion rate and an average of 3.1 progressive passes into the final third per 90 minutes, Araújo would bring not only solidity but also composure and tactical intelligence to United’s backline. His leadership and versatility could prove invaluable in anchoring a new-look defense.
While Mbeumo would provide flair and goals, Araújo’s arrival may be more vital in terms of long-term squad balance and tactical evolution.
Amorim’s system relies heavily on a reliable backline, and securing Araújo would address one of United’s biggest weaknesses.
With Amorim now fully backed in the transfer market, these signings could be the start of a new era at Old Trafford.
