Attacking the East Stand in last Friday night’s FA Cup victory over Leicester City, Patrick Dorgu’s positioning came as a surprise. Instead of settling into the left wing-back role United had seemingly brought him in for, the January signing sprinted over to the right flank.
With Diogo Dalot, a natural right-back, continuing at left wing-back, many supporters were left puzzled by Ruben Amorim’s tactical choices.
Manchester United’s recent signing of 18-year-old defender Ayden Heaven from Arsenal has sparked debate, with concerns raised about his character and decision-making. Having made just one senior competitive appearance before his switch to Old Trafford, United are betting on Heaven’s potential, hoping he will develop into a first-team regular.
With Lisandro Martínez sidelined due to an ACL injury, Heaven could find himself in the spotlight sooner than expected. The youngster made the bench for United’s FA Cup win over Leicester, but not everyone is convinced that his move from Arsenal was the right decision.
Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer have expressed hope that Marcus Rashford can rediscover his form after leaving Manchester United on loan. The 27-year-old made his Aston Villa debut in their 2-1 FA Cup fourth-round win over Tottenham Hotspur, following a difficult spell at Old Trafford where he was frozen out under Ruben Amorim.
Rashford had been included in just one matchday squad since mid-December and turned down three lucrative offers from Saudi Pro League clubs before securing his Premier League switch. Despite his struggles, his Villa cameo showed promise, with both Lineker and Shearer optimistic that this move could revive his career.
Paul Scholes does not believe Manchester United made a mistake in appointing Ruben Amorim, but he admits the manager’s head could be “fried” after just a few months in charge. Amorim, who arrived from Sporting Lisbon during the November international break, has struggled to turn things around at Old Trafford, with United sitting 13th in the Premier League.
The Portuguese coach immediately introduced his preferred 3-4-3 system, which brought him success in Portugal, but he has been forced to adapt due to an ill-suited squad. Amorim warned early on that a “storm” was coming, and as results have failed to improve, he is likely counting down to the summer transfer window to rebuild the team.
Pep Guardiola’s frustrations with Jadon Sancho’s attitude date back long before his high-profile fallout at Manchester United. Now on loan at Chelsea, with a £25 million obligation to buy should they finish 14th or higher in the Premier League, Sancho's career trajectory has been marred by off-field disputes and unfulfilled potential.
Once considered one of Europe’s brightest talents, his £73 million move to United in 2021 has since become a cautionary tale of mismanagement and personal conflict.
Manchester United legend Nemanja Vidic has revealed that he often avoided training and only played matches during his time at Old Trafford due to a persistent back injury.
Signed by Sir Alex Ferguson in December 2005 for around £7 million, Vidic became one of the Premier League’s greatest defenders, winning 15 trophies, including five league titles. However, his time at United was eventually cut short due to injuries and a dip in form, leading to his departure under Louis van Gaal.
The Serbian moved to Inter Milan but retired just 18 months later after struggling with injuries, ending his contract by mutual agreement. Upon announcing his retirement, Vidic admitted:
*"The time has come for me to hang up my boots. The injuries I have had in the last few years have taken their toll."*
Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba should consider signing for Premier League rivals Fulham, according to ex-Netherlands international Ryan Babel. Babel believes that a move to Fulham would provide Pogba with a better environment to rediscover his best form, free from the intense pressure of playing for a top-six club like Manchester United.
Pogba has been sidelined from competitive football since August 2023 after failing a doping test. This led to a four-year ban, which, after an appeal, was reduced to 18 months.
Ruben Amorim has expressed strong belief in Mason Mount's ability to succeed at Manchester United, praising the midfielder’s dedication and effort since joining the club. Mount, who arrived at Old Trafford from Chelsea for £55 million in 2023, has faced challenges during his debut season, including injuries and limited game time.
Despite these setbacks, the 2021 Champions League winner delivered a standout performance in United’s 3-2 victory over Bodo/Glimt, which Amorim called one of his best displays since joining the club.
The latest round of fixtures in Portugal’s Primeira Liga provided plenty of drama, with Ruben Amorim's emotional farewell from Sporting CP, but it was Benfica and Porto who stole the limelight in the title race.
Amorim, after a long and successful tenure at Sporting, signed off in style with a 4-2 comeback victory at Braga. However, a couple of hours later, Benfica made a statement of their own by thumping Porto 4-1, sending a clear message that a three-way title race could be in the making.
FC Lorient goalkeeper Yvon Mvogo has disclosed that he rejected an approach from Manchester United during Erik ten Hag's tenure, citing his desire to play regularly and compete for titles.
United, under Ten Hag, managed to secure the League Cup and FA Cup, but their struggles to challenge for the Premier League title ultimately led to the Dutchman's dismissal. Among the challenges Ten Hag faced during his stint was rebuilding United’s goalkeeping department.
David de Gea was deemed unsuited to Ten Hag’s playing style, leaving a significant gap that required addressing. While United eventually signed Altay Bayindir to deputize for Andre Onana, the club had initially considered Mvogo as an option.