The manager’s clear tactical blueprint shaped United’s transfer business in the summer, with signings aimed at fitting a predictable system and, crucially, improving an attack that struggled last season. United finished 15th in the Premier League and were bereft of a Europa League trophy to compensate.

Goalkeeping was a priority after uncertainty over existing options. Amorim has shown little faith in André Onana, while Altay Bayındır’s flaws have been too obvious for him to emerge as a long-term No. 1. United signed Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp for a modest fee and the early indicators suggest he could assume the starting role straight away.

At the back, Leny Yoro stands out as the most gifted defender in the squad. He suffered an early injury setback but has since looked the part: an imposing operator with timing and recovery traits that point to a long-term role. Harry Maguire can still do a job in the manager’s back three, but Amorim has preferred De Ligt to start the season. The Dutchman is a physical operator who excels at man-marking robust attackers, though he struggles against nimble opponents and when defending wide areas.

Any defence looks stronger with a fully fit Lisandro Martínez. His height remains a talking point and his 2025 has been blighted by injury, but Martínez brings control in possession and the ability to set the tone with committed challenges.

On the flanks, Amad looks destined for a wing-back role. He was one of the brighter sparks in a difficult 2024–25 campaign and offers dynamism and a bit of magic down the right. The relationship between Amad and the summer arrival Bryan Mbeumo could prove pivotal; Mbeumo arrives after his best campaign to date and has been efficient in front of goal.

In midfield, Mainoo is the academy graduate with the highest ceiling and must be integrated effectively. He nearly left on loan in the summer but remains a piece Amorim should prioritise. Casemiro has shown signs of revival under Amorim, who has asked the veteran to cover less ground without the ball. United did not sufficiently strengthen their engine room in the window and alternatives remain limited.

Up front, Cunha was the first major signing and Amorim has begun to use a false nine. Benjamin Šeško would be an ideal option but will need time to adapt. For now United possess a front three built for combination play but one that lacks a dominant aerial presence in the box.

Michael Owen set off a public debate after a social media outburst in which he offered a detailed statistical comparison of himself and Wayne Rooney from the early stages of their careers. According to the original exchange, Owen listed his achievements and rejected suggestions that Rooney was the superior youngster, framing the discussion in numbers and milestones.

Rooney chose a measured response, addressing the issue on The Wayne Rooney Show and refusing to escalate the exchange. He said: “Michael and I are very different players,” he said on The Wayne Rooney Show . “I used to go out on the street and pretend to be Michael Owen—even though he played for Liverpool.

“I think his comments are fair. Of course, he’s going to back himself. I’d back myself. But, I’d never judge myself against Michael Owen because he’s someone I actually looked up to and had the pleasure of playing alongside.”

The episode underlines two truths about the pair that featured heavily in the original discussion. Owen emerged as a spectacular young goalscorer, making an immediate impact and collecting high-profile recognition early in his career. He was the second-youngest Ballon d’Or winner ever in 2001, a fact often cited when comparing the two forwards at similar ages.

Rooney’s reply steered away from recrimination and towards perspective. The piece at hand notes that while Owen was certainly the more gifted finisher in his breakthrough years, Rooney’s career is distinguished by longevity and technical quality. That combination is presented as the basis for judging Rooney’s overall standing in football rather than focusing solely on early statistical advantage.

The exchange is notable for its frankness and for Rooney’s diplomatic tone in reply. It leaves the comparison framed both by Owen’s early brilliance and by Rooney’s sustained contribution over the course of his career.

“He’s so relaxed, the game’s so easy to him. It’s almost like poetry in motion.” Those words capture the early promise that accompanied Kobbie Mainoo as he forced his way into Manchester United’s first team during 2023–24. His breakout campaign ended with a defining moment: the winning goal in the FA Cup final against Manchester City.

Mainoo’s rise was rapid. After three appearances in 2022–23 he made 32 in 2023–24, logging 2,389 minutes and contributing to six goal involvements. His performances earned him a place in England’s Euro 2024 squad and a start in the final against Spain. Expectations were high, but the following season did not follow the same script.

In 2024–25 Mainoo featured 36 times, starting 23 matches and totalling 2,031 minutes with three goal contributions. The arrival of Ruben Amorim and his preferred 3-4-2-1 shaped squad selection. Amorim’s two-man midfield has reduced opportunities for a natural free-roaming No.8. Casemiro has provided the defensive backbone, while a more creative role looks set to be occupied by Bruno Fernandes, limiting Mainoo’s pathway into the team.

Injuries have also interrupted continuity. Mainoo missed the start of 2023–24 with an ankle problem and suffered two further setbacks last term, missing 17 matches in total and three months across two spells. Those absences made it difficult to build momentum and allowed others to move ahead in the pecking order. He was given just four starts between April and the season end and was used only in stoppage time during the Europa League final as United chased an equaliser, with Amorim turning to Joshua Zirkzee and Alejandro Garnacho ahead of him.

“He’s the nearest thing I’ve seen to [Zinedine] Zidane in taking a ball, receiving the ball, cruising past people,” enthused Scholes in the aforementioned interview. “The sky’s the limit for this lad if he keeps his head down. And he looks like the type who will stay on an even keel.”

Mainoo sought a loan move to secure regular minutes but the transfer was blocked. With the 2025–26 season under way he has made two appearances so far, and consistent starts and fitness will be decisive if his development is to resume.