Man Utd analysis: Three players United should sign to thrive under Ruben Amorim
After years of false dawns and broken dreams in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, Manchester United hope to have finally found their man in new manager Ruben Amorim.
Having made a historically bad start to the season, the United hierarchy dispensed with the services of Erik ten Hag and moved quickly to replace him with Sporting Lisbon’s highly rated coach.
With Amorim set to begin work on 11 November, anticipation is now firmly building at what the exciting tactician will bring to a beleaguered Old Trafford.
Sports News Blitz writer Noah Ngcobo takes a look at three players the club should sign in order to kick-start a revolution under the Portuguese.
Rayan Ait-Nouri
United’s left-back position has become a major area of concern, with Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia both struggling to stay fit. Shaw has missed more games due to injury than he has played in his United career, and Malacia has been sidelined for over a year now. With no fit natural left-back, United have had to rely on Diogo Dalot playing out of position.
It has now become abundantly clear, however, that United need a dependable, out-and-out left-back who can perform consistently without injury setbacks.
Rayan Ait-Nouri of Wolves is the perfect solution. The Algerian international has been outstanding this season, scoring three goals and providing two assists in only ten Premier League games — the most goal contributions of any player in the Wolves squad.
An attack-minded wing-back, he fits perfectly into Amorim’s system. The Portuguese tactician’s set-up often features a back-three formation, such as 3-4-3, where wing-backs are encouraged to push forward aggressively. Ait-Nouri has vast experience in Wolves’ own back-three set-up, thus making him an ideal candidate.
Amorim further favours wing-backs who excel at dribbling, breaking through defences with intricate passing, and waiting for the right moment to burst past their opponent. Unlike Shaw, whose attacking contributions mainly come through crosses, Ait-Nouri’s style aligns perfectly with such a philosophy as he is a skilful dribbler and routinely involved in attacking build-up play.
Most importantly though, Ait-Nouri is Premier League proven and would not need to adapt to life in the English top flight. Indeed, Ait-Nouri has only missed three games across the past two seasons, a statistic United fans can but dream of considering the club’s terrible recent injury record.
In the end, with two years left on his contract and Wolves currently facing financial challenges, United could very well secure the 23-year-old without breaking the bank.
READ MORE: Man Utd analysis: The forwards likely to play in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 formation
Adam Wharton
An ideal midfield partner for Kobbie Mainoo is 20-year-old Adam Wharton, a standout talent with impressive on-the-ball skills.
United would benefit from Wharton’s attributes in the early phases of play, especially under Ruben Amorim’s system where midfield depth is crucial. Currently, the only players who might suit this role alongside Mainoo are Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte. And, although he has shown glimpses of form this season, the Brazilian is not getting any younger and may not be available week in and week out.
Moreover, United’s depth in defensive and central midfield is decidedly thin, making Wharton even more of an appealing option.
In particular, he excels in build-up play, a role where Casemiro and Ugarte have failed to consistently shine. United desperately need midfielders who can receive the ball from the backline and drive it forward with progressive passing, and Wharton fits that profile perfectly.
As a young, progressive passer and a promising English talent, he could form a lasting partnership with Mainoo in the heart of the Red Devils midfield.
The main challenge with signing Wharton is his long-term contract with Crystal Palace, which runs until 2029. This means United would likely face a hefty price tag. The Manchester side have, however, shown a past willingness to pay top dollar for players so they may just be prepared to meet Palace’s asking price.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Man Utd analysis: The defenders likely to play in Ruben Amorim's 3-4-3 formation
Viktor Gyokeres
Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, United's two current first-team strikers, have yet to make the impact many fans had hoped for. Both young and somewhat unproven, they seem unprepared for the responsibility of leading the Red Devils frontline.
As a result, it may be time for United to make a bold move for Viktor Gyokeres, who has rapidly become one of the most sought-after strikers under Ruben Amorim and been linked with Real Madrid.
The 26-year-old Swedish forward has been prolific over the past year, netting 66 goals in just 67 appearances for Sporting CP, including 16 goals in 10 Portuguese league games this season.
Fresh off a stunning hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League — where he led Sporting to an unexpected 4-1 victory — Gyokeres has proved that he can deliver on the big stage, silencing any doubts about the quality of his current level.
The Swede now seems primed for a step-up to a major club, and United could be the ideal fit. Already accustomed to Amorim's 3-4-3 system, he would seamlessly adapt to the Old Trafford side’s style, bringing both familiarity and firepower to the front line.
Signing him, however, will not be straightforward. Top European clubs are also eyeing the breakout star, and United will need to act decisively to secure his signature.
READ NEXT: Premier League betting tips: Liverpool and Chelsea fancied, Chris Wood to carry on scoring
