Ruben Amorim’s tenure as Manchester United manager is certainly one to forget, with the manager failing to make the desired impact during his time at Old Trafford.
From losing in the Europa League final to finishing 15th in the Premier League, it was a truly dark time for everyone involved with the Red Devils, both on and off the pitch.
However, his sacking in January proved to be a blessing in disguise as caretaker manager Michael Carrick immediately stepped into the role and propelled him into England’s top flight.
The 44-year-old currently has the club in third place with seven games remaining this season, which could secure them a spot in the Champions League at the Theater of Dreams in 2026/27.
Such an outcome would bring significant financial benefits to the club, while also allowing the club to attract top talent in the upcoming transfer window.
Manchester United enter contract talks with PL sensation
In recent days, it has been reported that United are expected to make a move for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali during the summer.
The Italian, who joined from AC Milan for £55m in the summer of 2023, is currently said to be the Red Devils’ top target in the midfield mid-offseason division.
Any deal is likely to be expensive for the club’s hierarchy, with the Magpies currently demanding a transfer fee of around £80m for the 25-year-old.
Tonali isn’t the only Premier League talent they’re eyeing at the moment, with Arsenal star Miles Lewis-Skelly also a player they’re keeping an eye on in the summer.
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Carrick’s side are already in talks with the Gunners over a potential deal for the left-back, who has appeared in 27 games this season.
He also claims the 19-year-old looks set to leave Emirates in the coming months in order to gain more regular and consistent minutes in the Premier League.
Jacobs added that the Red Devils believe the youngster is a great option this season, with his ability to play in central midfield also being a factor in their recent interest.
Why Louis Skelly could be Manchester United’s next Rooney
Signing young talent from other parts of the Premier League has been no stranger to United over the years, as seen in the £30m deal they signed for forward Wayne Rooney in 2004.
The Red Devils have placed faith in the 18-year-old to make a huge impact at Old Trafford, and the teenager has certainly repaid that trust during his 13 years at Manchester.
During this period he made an incredible 559 appearances for the club and scored 253 times, subsequently breaking Sir Bobby Charlton’s scoring record.
Ranking of the 20 best strikers in Premier League history
Where does Erling Haaland rank?
Rooney won five Premier League titles with United and was the club’s third-leading scorer with 208 goals. His £30m transfer fee would certainly look like a bargain in today’s circumstances.
He will forever remain a Manchester legend for his exploits at United, but the club may be looking to discover their next star player with the departure of Lewis-Skelly.
Although they play in different positions, the similarities are obvious, with the defender mirroring Rooney, who arrived at Old Trafford as a teenager.
Despite his young age, he has already made 66 appearances in the top flight, most of them in the Premier League, the same tally the record goalscorer made at Everton before his move.
Pundit Jamie Carragher has already spoken highly of Arsenal’s current star recently, even claiming that he reminds him of Rooney given his talent and swagger at such a young age.
His stats this season have proven the talent he has with and without the ball, and having those elements in his game will undoubtedly improve United’s current first team.
Lewis-Skelly, who was described as “phenomenal” by manager Gael Clichy, completed 89% of his pass attempts and created 1.1 per 90 chances for his teammates.
Miles Lewis-Skelly – PL statistics (2025/26) | |
|---|---|
Statistics (every 90) | tally |
games played | 14 |
Play time (minutes) | 312 |
Pass accuracy | 89% |
An opportunity has arisen | 1.1 |
dribbling success | 83% |
foul win | 1.7 |
won a duel | 4.6 |
The tackle I made | 1.2 |
Such figures, despite his young age, demonstrate his calm nature on the ball, which could prove invaluable to whichever manager takes charge at Old Trafford.
He has also completed 83% of his attempted dribbles this term, collecting 1.7 fouls per 90. This shows that opponents often have to defeat him to prevent him from creating danger.
The teenager has been just as impressive without the ball, as evidenced by his impressive 4.6 wins and 1.2 tackles per 90 games this season.
Lewis-Skelly’s talent at both ends of the pitch means he is likely to be a great addition for United, while also giving him the chance to develop further given his young age.
Left-back has been a sore spot for the Red Devils in recent seasons, but his arrival could solve that problem at Old Trafford for at least the next decade.
It remains unclear how much of a setback a deal will set the board on, but there’s no reason he can’t reach the same level as Rooney if he makes some move towards joining the club this summer.
Cunha’s dream contract: Manchester United begin contract talks with Barcelona superstar
Manchester United could help Matheus Cunha improve his game by making a key summer signing.
