The Harsh Truth: Manchester United’s Squad Lacks the Required Quality

Rúben Amorim’s arrival at Manchester United has exposed an uncomfortable truth that fans and pundits have long suspected: the current squad simply lacks the quality needed to compete at the highest level. No tactical innovation or generational manager can overcome such a deficiency in the short or medium term. The issues are plain to see—poor defensive organisation, lack of clinical edge in front of goal, and a glaring absence of leadership.

Statistically, United’s struggles are damning. A 13th-place standing in the Premier League this season, following an underwhelming 8th-place finish last year, paints a picture of decline. By every metric, this squad’s performances rank among the worst of the Premier League era. Set-piece frailty, an inability to maintain defensive structure, and being consistently outrun by opposition teams have led to an erosion of identity and pride.

It’s critical to separate the noise from the signal. Much has been made of Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 system and his emphasis on expected goals (xG) as a measure of improvement. Yet, even as the xG numbers suggest progress, the team continues to concede at an alarming rate. The problem lies not in the system but in the individuals executing it. The tactical framework is irrelevant if the players lack the technical and mental attributes required to succeed.

Amorim will be assessing if he has players in the current squad talented enough to adapt to his system. Some will succeed, others will undoubtedly fail. Amad is a shining example of someone who is already thriving despite where he is asked to play having played both at wing back and as one of the double ‘number 10s.’ Players with great technical ability and those who can play with intensity for 90 minutes will stand a good chance of remaining part of Amorim’s future squad. Many pundits believe Harry Maguire’s ball progression qualities suggest he could be a good fit for the central centre back position but his future remains uncertain given his contract expires next summer. Under Ruben Amorim’s system at Manchester United, players must adapt to his philosophy or risk becoming surplus to requirements, but it’s equally vital that the squad maintains the elite quality needed to compete at the highest level.

The squad may contain players who have served the club well in the past but do they really have a future or possess the quality needed to make Manchester United Premier League title contenders? The defence includes 36 year old Jonny Evans, who will always have a place in the heart of Manchester United fans but clearly cannot be any viable long term solution. Victor Lindelof is now picking up more frequent injuries and is someone likely to move on in the summer. It has been heartwarming to see Tyrell Malacia come back from such a bad injury but will he ever be the same player? Was he even good enough in the first instance or was he just another mediocre Ten Hag signing? Fans have also flip flopped for years on whether Diogo Dalot is of the standard required at Manchester United, or if he can even fit into Amorim’s system of which relies heavily on offensive wing backs.

Whilst the midfield has been reenergised with the addition of Uruguayan workhorse Manuel Ugarte, Amorim clearly doesn’t feel Casemiro or Christian Eriksen have the legs to play with the intensity he needs. At a combined £500k in wages per week, the Brazilian and Danish midfielder are two others we will see likely depart Old Trafford at the end of the campaign. 

In the forward line, Marcus Rashford has been underperforming the last few seasons and cannot seem to find the form that returned 30 plus goals in the 22/23 season. The academy graduate’s days now seem to be numbered given his absence from the squad since the Manchester derby and his interview with Henry Winter where he cited his willingness for a new challenge beyond Old Trafford. Antony’s £85M move from Ajax could arguably be Manchester United’s worst piece of transfer business in history given the lack of return and Joshua Zirkzee, whilst still settling into the Premier League and needing time to adapt, has already raised questions from the fanbase on whether his contribution is impactful enough to this team. 

One evidently positive aspect we have already seen from Amorim is that he has identified a long-term solution that transcends mere tactics. His emphasis on culture over strategy echoes the adage that “culture eats strategy for breakfast.” The foundation for future success lies in reshaping the squad’s mentality and instilling the values of hard work, concentration, and defensive commitment. Simply put, United’s players must control what they can—effort, discipline, and fight—if they are to salvage any pride this season.

Ultimately, the brutal reality is that the majority of this squad is not fit to deliver United’s stated ambition of returning to the summit of English and European football. Amorim’s mandate, supported by the INEOS regime, is to rebuild this club’s DNA. Between now and the season’s end, his goal is clear: make United the hardest-working team in the league. Tactical brilliance will come later; for now, it’s about running harder, tackling harder, and outworking every opponent.

Fans have already shown their support for Amorim’s vision. The players must now meet the challenge head-on, or risk further tarnishing the badge they have the privilege of wearing.