Manchester United are looking forward to a new era under Portuguese tactician Ruben Amori, as reported by Manchester Evening News
The 39-year-old has arrived at Old Trafford with a stellar reputation from his time at Sporting, and excitement is building ahead of his first game in charge. First up for Amorim will be a trip to Ipswich Town on November 24 (kick-off: 4:30pm) after the international break.
And he will need to make plenty of decisions if he wants to get United back to the top of English and European football. The former Braga boss will inherit a side that sits 13th in the top-flight table, although just three points off Chelsea in third.
Below, The Manchester Evening News has taken a look at what United’s new manager should do in his task to restore the Reds to their former glory…
Sign Gyokeres
Manchester United and Viktor Gyokeres seem like a match made in heaven, judging by the Swedish striker’s form at Sporting under Amorim. Transferring that level to Old Trafford won’t be easy of course, but it’s clear that United’s new boss was able to get the best out of a player who could significantly strengthen the Reds.
Will he want to join a team that looks far from Premier League title challengers though? The attraction of reuniting with Amorim is one thing but any top player will want to play for a club competing for the game’s biggest prizes, something the Reds are far off from doing right now.
There’s also the issue of being able to fund a deal with PSR (Profit and Sustainability Rules) needing to be carefully considered. The next point could help in that respect though…
Sell Rashford
There are several reasons why selling Marcus Rashford may benefit United. Due to his homegrown status, his sale would represent pure profit, giving the Reds some flexibility with PSR to sign Gyokeres, for example.
There is also a debate over whether he would fit into Amorim’s team. The academy graduate is not a No 10 or a wing-back and has never convinced as a striker.
Also, is he good enough to help United compete for Premier League and Champions League titles? The jury is still very much out on that one.
Kerkez deal
Bournemouth star Milos Kerkez has emerged as one of the Premier League’s most promising left-backs with his performances this season playing a key role in the Cherries’ rise under Andoni Iraola.
United are in need of a left-sided full-back with both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia struggling with injuries. A wing-back may also be needed in Amorim’s potential 3-4-3 and the Hungarian fits the bill on both counts.
Kerkez only joined Bournemouth last summer, though, where he signed a long-term contract. Agreeing a deal, therefore, is likely to be difficult, particularly with United’s PSR considerations, but he would be a shrewd signing.
Manchester Evening News
