Eight games into the Premier League season, Manchester United are showing signs of improvement under manager Ruben Amorim despite ongoing squad rebuild challenges. New signings are contributing effectively, and key players like Bruno Fernandes continue to perform vital roles. Tactical adjustments have helped the team secure good results against a tough fixture schedule.
Manchester United are one summer into a squad rebuild expected to take three transfer windows, with Amorim adapting his tactics to the current roster without fully compromising his philosophy. The midfield pairing of Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes represents a short-term compromise, as Amorim prefers more passing and less ball-carrying. Kobbie Mainoo fits Amorim's ideal profile, and the manager was excited to work with him.
Defensively, only Leny Yoro among the center-backs offers the creative passing Amorim desires from deep, leading midfielders to drop deeper more often. This adjustment has shifted the team's press to a mid-block for compactness, rather than a high press that previously left gaps. Goalkeeper Filip Lammens has solidified the No. 1 spot by providing confidence to the team, often playing longer balls to win second balls instead of building from the back.
New signings have integrated well. Bryan Mbeumo has been the standout performer, now clicking effectively with Amad Diallo on the right wing. Matheus Cunha has been influential without standout goals or assists, notably troubling Liverpool in one match. Benjamin Sesko, after a slow start adapting from the Bundesliga, has shown promise as a complete forward with strong instincts, aerial ability, and link-up play. Examples include his flick that led to a red card for Chelsea's Sanchez and his two goals demonstrating positioning.
Existing players have improved: Casemiro in great form, Yoro continuing to grow, Lisandro Martinez as the key defender, Mason Mount providing quality in the final third, Harry Maguire flourishing in a back three, and Bruno Fernandes remaining a key creator despite his deeper role. Other contributors include Patrick Dorgu with 6 chances created, Amad with 7, and Diogo Dalot with 8, though Dalot has been positionally inconsistent at left wing-back.
Players with limited minutes like Mainoo and Tyler Heaven, or those without a long-term future such as Joshua Zirkzee, Manuel Ugarte, and Altay Bayindir, have underperformed. Despite media negativity, the team has made steps forward with green shoots of progress in underlying numbers and performances. Amorim's subtle tactical changes emphasize consistency in shape and personnel for better results. The club still needs two midfielders, a center-back, a wing-back, and additional depth to compete on multiple fronts, but backing the manager could see major honors contention in 2-3 seasons.
On Bruno Fernandes, regarded as United's best signing of the last decade, he has created more chances in the Premier League than anyone since joining. This season, playing deeper, he maintains high chance creation, ball recoveries, and pass completion. His creative passing compensates for limited output from center-backs when Yoro is absent. Challenges include occasional positional lapses leaving gaps and tiring late in games, possibly due to age (31), heavy schedule, or increased distance covered. Still, he adds more value than drawbacks and requires game-time management, especially with potential European football next season.