There are no more beautiful statements or rushes in the transfer market, instead the determination of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his colleagues. Regardless of information from the media or fans, they maintain the stance of rebuilding the team according to Ruben Amorim's philosophy.
Three consecutive victories - the best streak of results in the past 18 months - did not make big losers at Carrington party. They only see it as a signal that the difficult decisions over the past year are starting to take effect. CEO Omar Berrada and sporting director Jason Wilcox understand that the journey to bring the "Red Devils" back to the top is a long process, unable to burn the stage.
Amorim and his long-term vision
Ruben Amorim aims to bring Man United back to the European arena next season. This is a realistic goal, reflecting the current construction phase. A position in the Top 6 of the Premier League is considered a success. More importantly, the atmosphere in the dressing room has changed when there is no longer panic after each failure.
In the context of the media and fans urging the team to spend big in January 2026, Man United still maintains the stance of not being in a hurry. The owners believe that the biggest mistake of the past was spending money to put out the fire. The upcoming winter transfer window will be very quiet, with a focus on next summer. A classy defensive midfielder, the "number 6" position Amorim considers the key link to come. Names such as Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba are all on the watch list.
Cut down to rebuild
The strategy of streamlining the squad last summer was assessed as a success. A series of players who receive high salaries but are no longer in the departure plan help the team be more flexible in terms of salary fund and personnel. However, there are still questions about the future of many big stars. Marcus Rashford still has more than 2 years left on his contract. Harry Maguire and Casemiro are both due in the summer of 2026. Letting them go could open up a significant salary space for the new recruits.
Even Rasmus Hojlund's loan deal with Napoli was given clear conditions. It could only become a permanent contract if Antonio Conte's side win a ticket to the Champions League. All calculations at this time are closely linked to the goal of financial restructuring, away from the costs of the previous period.
The appearance of Senne Lammens
One of the most surprising but effective decisions of the board was to bring goalkeeper Senne Lammens back from Belgium. Although Man United initially had no plans to change goalkeepers, Andre Onana's declining performance and the reduction of salary funds thanks to the departure of Jadon Sancho helped the deal with the 23-year-old goalkeeper come true.
The results were impressive with the expectations from fans. Lammens have a blocking rate of up to 78.6%, 11% higher than Onana and superior to Altay Bayindir's 25%. In addition, he helped the team change the way they deploy the ball as Man United now play more directly, have less possession (only about 4.4%) but have been effective in converting shots into goals up to 20%, compared to only 7.4% before.
Man United played more flexibly and unitedly
Initially, Ruben Amorim was absolutely loyal to the familiar 3-4-3 system from Sporting Lisbon. However, in recent weeks, his tactical mark has become more flexible. When defending, the squad can switch to 5 defenders with deep wing-backs. It is this flexibility that helps the "Red Devils" better control the fierce situations in the Premier League.
The good news is that the atmosphere inside Carrington has completely changed. After the defeat to Brentford last month, rumors of division and disunity should have flourished again. However, the board and the players did not complain. The whole team is moving towards a common goal and believing in Amorim's philosophy. Key players such as Mason Mount and Harry Maguire have repeatedly declared that everyone at Old Trafford has full confidence in the Portuguese strategist.
Man United has not been able to revive but they are on the right track with positive changes from Ruben Amorim. The club's leadership understands that the journey to find the top will be bumpy, but the important thing is that the foundation is being properly laid.
