Roma wasn’t built in a day and neither will this Manchester United team under manager Ruben Amorim. It will take patience and the checkbook for the Portuguese to turn the Red Devils back into real contenders.
It’s still early days, but summer signings Senne Lamence, Brian Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko have all made a big impact so far, and there are positive signs after his first appointment.
The investment is certainly just the beginning as Amorim looks to shake things up, but the turbulent 2025/26 so far has once again demonstrated the scale of the task ahead, with reinforcements needed across the park.
There are still issues to be resolved, particularly at wing-back and central midfield, and January presents a great opportunity to find the necessary upgrades.
With that in mind, if everything goes to plan in this dream scenario, let’s take a look at how United could shape up after the window closes…
1
GK – Senne Lamence
He could probably join Sunderland’s Granit Xhaka as one of the best bargains of the summer in the Premier League, but United’s £18m man has had few failures so far and is yet to taste defeat in his new surroundings.
He may not be the second coming of Peter Schmeichel, but he certainly made a stronger first impression than Andre Onana or Altai Baindil.
2
RCB – Matthijs de Ligt
Second time is the charm for Matthijs de Ligt, and the Dutchman is set to emerge as one of Amorim’s key lieutenants this time around, after a solid but unglamorous first season.
The 26-year-old, who was the hero in the dying moments against Spurs, is the only member of the squad to have played every game in the Premier League this season. Is your future captain waiting?
3
CB – Marc Gehi
Marc Gehi was on the brink of a move to Liverpool during the summer, and with his contract expiring, he will be looking at the possibility of a bargain contract in January.
The Anfield players may still be the frontrunners, but reports suggest the England international could be the successor to aging but influential backline center Harry Maguire, with United also on the list of coveted signings.
4
LCB – Lisandro Martinez
Lisandro Martinez, who has been out of action since early 2025 due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury, is gradually getting closer to returning to action, which is a big boost for Amorim and others.
Luke Shaw has impressed as a left-sided centre-back in recent years, but the Argentine, who is part of United’s new leadership group, looks destined to start once he is fit and available again.
5
RWB – Amado
Although the duo of Amad and Mbeumo had some teething problems early on, United’s right-hand side has been very effective in recent weeks, with the pair particularly featured in last month’s opening game at Anfield and the opening goal against Spurs.
This form, which saw Amad find the back of the net late on at the City Ground, will be even more of a concern heading into December’s AFCON.
6
CM – Bruno Fernandes
Debate will rage over whether this is Bruno Fernandes’ best position, but the 31-year-old, who came close to leaving the club over the summer, remains quietly pulling the strings from a deep role.
Two goals, three assists and two penalties missed in this season’s Premier League show the Portuguese maverick brings his usual chaos and consistency as the heartbeat of Amorim’s side.
I can’t get rid of him yet…
7
CM – Carlos Baleva
He wants United – no matter how you look at it – and United want him. Make it happen, INEOS.
The midfield ‘monster’ hailed by analyst Ben Mattinson was linked with a £100m-plus move to Old Trafford over the summer, but there may be some wiggle room in the negotiations given his poor form in 2025/26.
His plight may be a cause for concern, having already been substituted at half-time three times, but at his best, the athletic, all-around 21-year-old could be the successor to Casemiro that United desperately need.
8
LWB – Federico DiMarco
The caveat with this next addition is that if United and INEOS were to sign Guehi and Baleva, they would likely have to make significant sales to even the books, whether it be someone like Joshua Zirkzee or Diogo Dalot.
However, the advantage of a move for Federico Dimarco is that the Italian defender still only has 18 months left on his current contract with Inter, and could be a smart deal amid reports of interest from Manchester.
Signing a specialist like DiMarco would be the perfect upgrade for 2026, with neither Dalot nor Patrick Dorg having firmly settled on the left wing-back role.
9
RAM – Brian Mbeumo
As already mentioned, Mbeumo and Amad have emerged as a formidable pair on the right-hand side, but it is clear who is at the heart of that pairing, with the Cameroonian already having scored six goals in 12 games since his £71m move from Brentford.
Comfortable with either foot or head, the 26-year-old is the impromptu attacking spearhead Amorim needed. May his rampage continue for a long time.
10
LAM – Mateus Cunha
Casemiro may be nearing the climax of his United journey with six months left on his contract, but the club have a new Brazilian hero to cherish in Cunha, with the former Wolverhampton Wanderers talisman already receiving rave reviews at Old Trafford.
A powerful yet elegant 26-year-old, he has the makings of a future United star, but with just one return goal so far there is room for improvement.
