{"id":279700,"date":"2025-07-21T10:21:45","date_gmt":"2025-07-21T10:21:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/279700\/"},"modified":"2025-07-21T10:21:45","modified_gmt":"2025-07-21T10:21:45","slug":"four-issues-ruben-amorim-must-solve-during-manchester-uniteds-pre-season-tour","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/279700\/","title":{"rendered":"Four issues Ruben Amorim must solve during Manchester United&#8217;s pre-season tour"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Manchester United are getting ready for their pre-season tour of the United States, having kicked off their run of summer friendlies with an uninspiring 0-0 draw against Leeds on Saturday<\/p>\n<p>07:00, 21 Jul 2025Updated 07:16, 21 Jul 2025<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/0_GettyImages-2226010446.jpg\" alt=\"SOLNA, SWEDEN - JULY 19: Matheus Cunha of Manchester United   reacts during the pre-season friendly match between Manchester United and Leeds United at Strawberry Arena on July 19, 2025 in Solna, Sweden. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"eager\"  \/>Manchester United&#8217;s pre-season campaign is underway(Image: Catherine Ivill &#8211; AMA\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \">Ruben Amorim is embarking on his first full pre-season as <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/manchester-united-fc\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Manchester United<\/a> boss this summer. The Red Devils will jet off to the United States this week ahead of three matches as part of the Premier League&#8217;s Summer Series.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \">United&#8217;s first game, against <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/west-ham-united-fc\" target=\"\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">West Ham<\/a>, will be played at midnight UK time on Saturday at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where next year&#8217;s <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/world-cup-2022\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">World Cup<\/a> final will be held. Amorim&#8217;s side will then take on <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/afc-bournemouth\" target=\"\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Bournemouth<\/a> at 2:30am next Thursday, July 31 in Chicago.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \">Finally, the Red Devils are due to play <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/everton-fc\" target=\"\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Everton<\/a> at 10pm on Saturday, August 3 in Atlanta. There&#8217;s also a clash with <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/fiorentina\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Fiorentina<\/a> at Old Trafford a week later but the bulk of Amorim&#8217;s work will be done during their money-spinning trip across the pond.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \">United have already started their pre-season campaign, <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/sport\/football\/match-reports\/man-utd-leeds-game-highlights-35583688\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"drawing 0-0 with Leeds in Stockholm on SaturdayLink opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">drawing 0-0 with Leeds in Stockholm on Saturday<\/a>. It reminded fans of a multitude of problems which the Red Devils need to solve for the 2025-26 season.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \">Ahead of United&#8217;s three-game tour of the US, here are four areas of the team which Amorim is looking to improve.<\/p>\n<p>READ MORE: <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/sport\/football\/transfer-news\/viktor-gyokeres-arsenal-man-utd-35586287\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Man Utd &#8216;close to hijacking Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal transfer&#8217; with sensational late bid<\/a>READ MORE: <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/sport\/football\/transfer-news\/ruben-amorim-man-utd-transfers-35585889\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ruben Amorim drops hint on next Man Utd transfer priority in post-match message<\/a>Scoring more goals<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \">United ended last season&#8217;s <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/premier-league\" target=\"\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Premier League<\/a> campaign with just 44 goals. Only four sides scored fewer and finding the net more regularly is the key area where United need to improve.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \">New signings <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/matheus-cunha\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Matheus Cunha<\/a> and Bryan Mbeumo will go a long way to addressing that, but Amorim knows he still needs to recruit a new No.9 to lead United&#8217;s attack next season, with <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/rasmus-hojlund\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Rasmus Hojlund<\/a> and <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/joshua-zirkzee\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Joshua Zirkzee<\/a> simply not prolific enough to lead the attack.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Where will Manchester United finish this season? Give us your prediction in the <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/sport\/football\/news\/ruben-amorim-manchester-united-tour-35586994#comments-section\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"comments sectionLink opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">comments section<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/0_GettyImages-2226004370.jpg\" alt=\"SOLNA, SWEDEN - JULY 19: Rasmus Hojlund of Manchester United in action during the pre-season friendly match between Manchester United and Leeds United at Strawberry Arena on July 19, 2025 in Solna, Sweden. (Photo by Ash Donelon\/Manchester United via Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\"  \/>Rasmus Hojlund continued his barren run against Leeds(Image: Ash Donelon\/Manchester United via Getty Images)Getting the best out of Cunha<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \">Despite United playing out a goalless draw with newly-promoted Leeds in Stockholm on Sunday, Amorim said he saw some positives, in particular the connection and link-up play between captain <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/bruno-fernandes\" target=\"\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Bruno Fernandes<\/a> and new signing Cunha.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \">That is an understanding Amorim is keen to build upon, with Cunha&#8217;s aggression, pace and ability to make a difference in the final third something United lacked last season, with the burden falling all too often on Fernandes.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/0_GettyImages-2225980301.jpg\" alt=\"SOLNA, SWEDEN - JULY 19: Matheus Cunha and Diego Leon of Manchester United during the pre-season friendly match between Manchester United and Leeds United at Strawberry Arena on July 19, 2025 in Solna, Sweden. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\"  \/>Matheus Cunha made his non-competitive debut on Saturday(Image: Catherine Ivill &#8211; AMA\/Getty Images)Establishing a settled defence<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \">Defence is the area of the pitch where United have the greatest depth, but Amorim will be keen to establish a settled back three, supported by two wing-backs, that he can rely on.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \">Injuries forced Amorim to reshuffle his defensive personnel last season, but the arrival of <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/diego-leon\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Diego Leon<\/a>, along with the return from injury of <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/lisandro-martinez\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Lisandro Martinez<\/a> and <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/luke-shaw\" target=\"\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Luke Shaw<\/a>, gives Amorim greater options to choose from when trying to decide upon his first-choice back five.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/0_GettyImages-2225972114.jpg\" alt=\"SOLNA, SWEDEN - JULY 19: Matheus Cunha, Chido Obi, Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt, Altay Bayindir, Casemiro, Amad, Toby Collyer, Diego Leon, Luke Shaw and Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United in action during the pre-season friendly match between Manchester United and Leeds United at Strawberry Arena on July 19, 2025 in Solna, Sweden. (Photo by Ash Donelon\/Manchester United via Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\"  \/>Ruben Amorim has plenty of options to choose from(Image: Ash Donelon\/Manchester United via Getty Images)Addressing a vulnerable midfield<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \">Opponents found it too easy to play through United&#8217;s midfield last season and that is an area Amorim knows he must address. Casemiro returned to form last season, but at 33 he cannot be relied upon every game.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \">Manuel Ugarte had a poor season, <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/kobbie-mainoo\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Kobbie Mainoo<\/a> regressed and <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/mason-mount\" target=\"\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Mason Mount<\/a> continued to be a hostage to injury. The signings of Cunha and Mbeumo means <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/casemiro\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Casemiro<\/a> and Fernandes are likely to occupy deeper midfield roles, but a new midfielder is required.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \"><a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/chat.whatsapp.com\/KH2cxHoLmrH6OUTtE1YS7T\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp communityLink opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community<\/a> and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from <strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Mirror Football<\/strong>. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don&#8217;t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you&#8217;re curious, you can read our <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reachplc.com\/site-services\/privacy-policy\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Privacy NoticeLink opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Privacy Notice<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Manchester United are getting ready for their pre-season tour of the United States, having kicked off their run&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":279701,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8813],"tags":[748,393,4884,2465,423,105348,99,16,15],"class_list":{"0":"post-279700","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-manchester","8":"tag-britain","9":"tag-england","10":"tag-great-britain","11":"tag-manchester","12":"tag-manchester-united-fc","13":"tag-manchester-united-tour","14":"tag-ruben-amorim","15":"tag-uk","16":"tag-united-kingdom"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@uk\/114890730812938409","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/279700","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=279700"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/279700\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/279701"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=279700"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=279700"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=279700"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}