Old Trafford or Theatre of Nightmares? Ruben Amorim Faces Transfer Crunch at Manchester United

Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim urged to make four more signings to avoid another season of chaos at Old Trafford

Manchester United’s 2024-25 campaign was, in no uncertain terms, a disaster. A 15th-place finish in the Premier League—their worst in the modern era—has left the once-feared Theatre of Dreams looking more like a haunted house. And now, all eyes are on new manager Ruben Amorim, the man tasked with dragging this battered institution back to respectability.

But with just weeks to go before the new season, it’s been an uncomfortably quiet summer in the red half of Manchester.

One Signing In, But That’s Nowhere Near Enough

So far, only two new faces have walked through the doors of Carrington. Matheus Cunha, formerly of Atletico Madrid and Wolves, has joined in what many consider a smart if unspectacular deal. And 18-year-old full-back Diego Leon has arrived from Cerro Porteño—a name for the future, not a game-changer for the present.

United fans, long used to glamour signings and marquee arrivals, are growing restless. Particularly when their fiercest rivals—Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal—have already moved aggressively in the transfer market. City have added depth. Liverpool are rejuvenating under Arne Slot. Arsenal are gearing up for another title push.

Meanwhile, United? They’re still trying to agree a fee for Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo.

Paul Parker Issues Warning: “This Can’t Continue”

Former United defender Paul Parker, speaking to GOAL in association with Gameshub, didn’t sugarcoat his concern.

“For Man Utd to just compete against anyone and not let themselves down, they need at least four more signings,” Parker said. “They can’t carry on where they are at this moment in time because they’ll start next season and it will still be negative in the dressing room and with the fans. It became the Theatre of Nightmares towards the end of last season.”

It’s a sentiment shared by many. The club is crying out for leaders, for energy, for a new spine. And most of all—for some urgency.

Amorim Inherits Ten Hag’s Mess… For Now

Sources at The Athletic suggest that Amorim had hoped to clear house early. Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, and Antony—four players described as “unhappy”—were reportedly put on an internal exit list. But United have hit a wall: there are no willing buyers ready to meet either the players’ wages or the club’s valuation.

That’s left Amorim to begin his tenure with a squad largely constructed by his predecessor, Erik ten Hag, whose tenure ended in chaos and collapse.

The lack of outgoings has also hampered the club’s ability to reinvest. With little revenue from sales, United’s summer budget is under pressure—even after INEOS officially took partial control of football operations earlier this year.

INEOS Under Fire From Fans

Matheus Cunha Manchester United 2025

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS arrived at Old Trafford promising reform and modernisation. But so far, the fanbase has seen very little evidence of that in the transfer market.

Patience is wearing thin. There’s talk of “medium-term strategy” and “rebuilding the football department,” but results will be demanded from day one. Supporters aren’t asking for Galactico-style signings—they’re asking for a team they can believe in again.

And Amorim? He’s caught in the middle.

Ruben Amorim’s Tactical Vision Needs Backing

Ruben Amorim Man Utd

The 39-year-old Portuguese coach is one of Europe’s most highly-rated young managers. His work at Sporting CP—where he developed stars, won titles, and played vibrant football—made him a logical choice for United. But there’s only so much a tactician can do without the right players.

At Sporting, Amorim’s system relied on hard-running wing-backs, a physical centre-forward, and a highly mobile midfield trio. United currently have none of those components at the required level.

Yes, Cunha offers dynamism. Yes, youngsters like Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho (if he stays) have potential. But this team still looks dangerously lightweight in both mentality and depth.

Four Signings or Bust?

So where does that leave United?

According to Parker—and many others—they still need at least four key signings just to be competitive:

• A central defender to partner Lisandro Martinez or Raphael Varane (who continues to battle injuries).

• A commanding central midfielder with presence and leadership.

• A right-sided attacker with both goals and work ethic—perhaps Mbeumo, if Brentford play ball.

• And most crucially, a centre-forward who can lead the line with authority.

Without those reinforcements, the club risks starting the 2025-26 season with the same uncertainty, the same sluggishness, and the same toxic atmosphere that marred the final months of the last campaign.

Can United Still Turn This Window Around?

Time is running out—but not all hope is lost. Amorim still has the backing of INEOS, and deals can move quickly in July if the club shows intent. But United need to be decisive. They need to stop letting rivals dictate the market. They need to stop reacting—and start building.

The Theatre of Dreams is in desperate need of restoration. But unless Manchester United act fast and back their new manager properly, it could all too easily become the Theatre of Nightmares once again.