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Manchester United's Redemption Quest: Amorim's Tough Choices Ahead
2 Aug
Summary
- Amorim cuts ties with Rashford and Garnacho
- Mount, Zirkzee, and Shaw face crucial seasons to prove their worth
- Mainoo's future uncertain as he struggles for game time
As of August 2, 2025, Manchester United are embarking on a redemption quest under new manager Ruben Amorim, who was appointed in November of last year. Amorim is using the team's pre-season tour in the U.S. to take the first steps towards recovering from their worst season in more than 50 years.
The Portuguese coach has already made some tough decisions, cutting ties with high-profile stars like Marcus Rashford, who joined Barcelona on loan, and Alejandro Garnacho, who has been told to find a new club. Anyone who made the trip to America has cleared the first hurdle in being part of the new era, but with more changes likely on the way, a number of squad members are facing crucial seasons as they look to prove they can be part of the club's future.
Midfielder Mason Mount, who joined United from Chelsea last year for £60 million, has endured a frustrating two years at the club due to a series of injuries. Now fully fit again, the 26-year-old faces stiff competition for one of the two No. 10 spots in Amorim's 3-4-2-1 formation after the club spent more than £130 million to sign Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. If Mount can rediscover his form from the 2021-22 season, he'll be an important part of Amorim's team, but another frustrating season could throw his future into doubt.
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Striker Joshua Zirkzee, who joined United from Bologna a year ago for £36.5 million, is also under pressure to prove himself. The Netherlands forward bounced back from being booed by sections of the Old Trafford crowd during a defeat to Newcastle in December to put in some positive performances, before suffering a hamstring injury in April. Amorim is still evaluating whether Zirkzee has the skillset to play as the central striker in his system or if he's better suited to one of the No. 10 positions.
Left-back Luke Shaw, meanwhile, faces questions about his ability to stay fit. The 30-year-old seems perfect for the left-sided center-back role in Amorim's three-man defense, but if he struggles to stay fit for a third season in a row, it could be time for United to move on next summer.
