Manchester United’s £230m summer: Ruben Amorim’s first big rebuild

Last Updated on 8 September 2025

Ruben Amorim’s first summer at Old Trafford began under a cloud of failure. Manchester United endured their lowest-ever Premier League finish, slumping to 15th, and compounded the misery by losing the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur. 

With fans restless, ownership demanding progress, and Ruben Amorim already under intense scrutiny. Manchester United turned to the transfer market for answers.

What followed was a summer of heavy spending and blockbuster moves, but also lingering doubts about whether United truly fixed their flaws.

Manchester United’s attacking revolution: Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko

The biggest shift came up front, where United poured over £200m into three statement signings.

Matheus Cunha was the first through the door. His £62.5m release clause triggered in a move that underlined Amorim’s determination to get business done early.

Shortly after, Bryan Mbeumo arrived from Brentford for £71m, bringing Premier League experience and a proven record of goals and assists.

The crown jewel, though, was Benjamin Sesko. At £73.7m, United beat off serious competition from Newcastle United for one of the most exciting young strikers in Europe.

But questions still remain over the allocation of resources and the decision to sign another unproven number nine, having tried a ‘project’ striker with Rasmus Hojlund. 

Either way, the trio promises to transform United’s frontline from toothless to terrifying on paper. Even if integrating them all at once will take time.

Manchester United’s future proofing and exits for the ‘bomb squad’

Not all business was blockbuster. United also invested in the future, snapping up Paraguayan left-back Diego Leon for £7m. Not quite the finished article, Leon has shown glimpses of promise in pre-season. 

Despite doing most of their business early on, United left it until deadline day to solve one of their biggest problems: the goalkeeper. Andre Onana came under a lot of criticism last season, letting in a number of “easy” goals, while Altay Bayindir’s early season form has been disastrous.

That forced Amorim’s hand as United carried on their search for a goalkeeper. Emiliano Martinez of Aston Villa was strongly linked with a late move to Old Trafford. But the club decided to settle for the highly rated shot-stopper, Senne Lammens, from Royal Antwerp over the World Cup winner, according to BBC Sport.

A few big-name releases upon contract expiry were followed by staggered exits of the ‘bomb squad’.

Christian Eriksen and Victor Lindelof joined Jonny Evans on the way out after not being offered new contracts. While the likes of Marcus Rashford, Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho and Rasmus Hojlund all departed before deadline day.

Gaping hole in midfield leaves question marks over the Amorim’s tenure

Despite spending well over £200m in the market, United didn’t address all their concerns. United allocated the biggest part of their budget for a new no.9 instead of a big name midfielder.

Carlos Baleba of Brighton Hove & Albion was considered but deemed too expensive. Ultimately, United settled for the current midfield options after a massive bid from Al Hilal was rejected for Bruno Fernandes. 

United fans will hope this gives more opportunities to Kobbie Mainoo, who was on the brink of leaving. It’s been a poor start to the season as United lost to Grimsby Town of League 2 in the Carabao Cup. The question is, can Amorim turn things around?