Rúben Amorim’s Manchester United Rebuild: Who’s In, Who’s Out, and What’s Next

Manchester United are set for a reset. It’s been a hot topic lately in the StatrCast group chat and many an online column inch, so I guess it’s time for our pound of flesh on one of the most popular topics in football. The Manchester United Summer Transfer Window! Under new boss Rúben Amorim, the club is shifting toward a high-pressing, ball-dominant style that will demand a complete rethink of the current squad, mainly because the squad is muck, but also because they have to sell an awful lot of shrapnel. With a mix of talent underperforming, aging stars, and players out of sync with Amorim’s system, United are poised for one of their most radical summer rebuilds in recent history, if they can find the money down the back of the couch, so in this article we are trying to take a realistic look at what a Man United summer rebuild looks like.

Here’s a breakdown of each position group…who stays, who goes, and who could, (or should) be walking through the doors of Carrington this summer.

Goalkeepers

United’s goalkeeper situation is largely settled heading into Amorim’s first full summer. Or is it? André Onana on paper is tailor-made for Amorim’s high-possession, build-from-the-back system and remains first choice for now, but it has been widely reported that Manchester United are in the market for new stick man. Largely due to Onana’s ability to have wrists made of crackers, running his mouth at the worst possible times and being an all around disaster for the club so far. Far cry from the guy who looked invincible at Inter . Behind him, Altay Bayındır hasn’t challenged for minutes and is likely to move on to make space for a more system-suited backup. Tom Heaton is set to retire, and he is currently on 45k per week, 45k for a 3rd choice keeper is absolute madness. No major signings are expected here unless Bayındır is sold and a younger understudy is brought in.

🟢 Staying:

• André Onana

🔴 Leaving:

• Altay Bayındır

• Tom Heaton 

🆕 Potential Incomings:

• Diogo Costa (Porto) – Already linked with United in past windows, Costa is a modern keeper: excellent with his feet, strong reflexes, and composed under pressure. Amorim, familiar with the Portuguese league, could push for a keeper he knows can operate under a high line and contribute to build-up play. Would however cost about £60m to get a deal done so probably not a runner unless money comes in elsewhere.

• Aaron Ramsdale (Southampton) – Relegated again but a quality keeper nonetheless. Ramsdale’s experience in the Premier League and his shot-stopping abilities make him a worthwhile look, he is also homegrown which will be important for United with Heaton and Evans impending retirements. His leadership qualities could benefit teams looking to bolster their goalkeeping options.

• Alex Meret (Napoli) – Napoli Keeper and a free agent in the Summer, a nice cheap and cheerful and solid solution solution.

Defence

Expect the smallest of shake-ups in defence. Lisandro Martínez is the only untouchable, he fits Amorim’s aggressive, progressive play perfectly. Dalot is likely to be retained, but others like Lindelöf, Shaw, and Evans don’t fit the tactical blueprint and may need be moved on. Evans is out of contract and will exit, while Shaw could stay as cover, and because no one will buy a footballer who doesn’t play football. Incoming names include Jeremie Frimpong, whose pace and attacking intent as a wing-back align with Amorim’s needs. A new left-sided centre-back is also a priority, screaming Dean Huijsen but he has Madrid written all over him, unless Heaven is ready to step up to the plate, a big ask. Potentially just a wingback here to compliment Dalot, Amad and Dorgu. We have two listed incomings but to be honest I would expect another Heaven or Dorgu-esque signing in this area of the pitch…even if Robinson is exactly what they should be after, as should most major PL teams.

🟢 Staying:

• Lisandro Martínez

• Diogo Dalot

• Noussair Mazraoui

• Matthijs De Ligt

• Harry Maguire

• Luke Shaw (unless they can magic a buyer for his £150k wages)

• Patrick Dorgu

• Leny Yoro

• Ayden Heaven

🔴 Leaving:

• Victor Lindelöf

• Jonny Evans

• Tyrell Malacia

• Harry Amass (loan)

🆕 Potential Incomings:

• Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen)

• Antonee Robinson (Fulham)

Midfield

The midfield will be rebuilt around energy, intelligence, and control. Bruno Fernandes stays at the heart of the side as Amorim’s creative general, while Kobbie Mainoo is viewed as a long-term starter. Rúben Amorim is set to revamp Manchester United’s to conform to his particular tactical discipline. With the departure of Christian Eriksen nailed on, an aging Casemiro on a rumoured £350k per week, and totally unsellable unless Saudi decide to open the purse strings, and add the walking wounded Mason Mount who spends nearly as much time in the treatment room as Luke Shaw. There has been whispers Mainoo could be in the shop window with talks of a new contract stalling, but that’s surely madness, surely?? The rumour mill has been heating up around Atalanta’s Ederson, he’s a fine player, looks Premier League ready and would be an instant upgrage. Every team needing upgrades in the middle should be looking at Bruno Guimarães but have United the cash money dollars for two new middys?

🟢 Staying:

• Bruno Fernandes

• Kobbie Mainoo

• Mason Mount

• Casemiro

• Manuel Ugarte

• Kobbie Mainoo

🔴 Departing:

• Christian Eriksen

• Daniel Gore

• Toby Collyer (loan) 

🆕 Potential Incomings:

• Éderson (Atalanta)

• Amadou Onana

• Bruno Guimarães

• Adam Wharton

Attack

United’s attack is set for a radical transformation. They couldn’t score in a brothel, even on the wages these boys are on, Manchester United’s frontline has been appaling, and that’s being kind, like seriously it might be footballs most documented issue, the limpness of the Manchester United frontline.  Rashford is likely off to Villa permanently, Garnacho could be sold to Atlético Madrid, and Sancho and Antony are on borrowed time, literally they are both on loan and nobody has a clue what’s happening over there. Højlund remains a key long-term striker, but he’ll need support, he’s not been able to score in a long long time, partly on him, partly on the club, but we discussed this on the StatrCast, so give that a listen. Amorim wants Matheus Cunha for versatility in the front three and comes with a reasonable £60m release clause, with Napoli’s Victor Osimhen lined up as a potential marquee striker. Liam Delap is also being considered as a young, physical option with room to grow and the latest news is his release clause comes down to £30 once Ipswich’s relegation is confirmed. Amorim’s ideal front line is dynamic, flexible, and defensively involved expect big turnover here.

🟢 Staying:

• Rasmus Højlund

• Joshua Zirkzee

• Amad Diallo

🔴 Leaving:

• Marcus Rashford

• Alejandro Garnacho

• Jadon Sancho

• Antony

• Ethan Wheatley

🆕 Potential Incomings:

• Matheus Cunha (Wolves)

• Victor Osimhen (Napoli)

• Liam Delap (Ipswich)

• Jean Philipe Mateta (Crystal Palace)

Transfer Outlook

Between Garnacho, Rashford, Sancho, and fringe players, United could raise upwards of £100 million in transfer fees. Combine that with the clearing of around £172 million in annual wages, and United should have flexibility to spend £150-200 million smartly if amortised sensibly. See look at me now using words like amortisation in a sentance, modern football what have you done to me. Realistic incomings I think are:

Incomings:

1. Aaron Ramdale (Southampton) – £20m
2. Éderson (Atalanta) – £50-60m
3. Cunha (Wolves) – £60m
4. Liam Delap (Ispwich) – £30m

And two Dorgu style left field transfers of about £20-30m each. Taking the summer spending to approx £200m.