Manchester United are preparing for a critical campaign under Ruben Amorim, who now has a full pre-season to embed his tactical identity and build towards something sustainable.
For fans eager to see a turnaround, this summer represents more than just tactical tweaks – it’s a crucial test of mentality, quality, and execution.
Off the pitch, United remain one of the world’s biggest commercial forces, attracting attention in markets far beyond England. With offers like the r50 sign up bonus South Africa drawing more fans into the global gaming space, the spotlight on United is growing in unexpected ways.
But for all the branding and reach, results on the pitch still matter most.
For the club to make genuine progress in 2025/26, several key players need to step up – both for the team’s benefit and their own long-term futures.
Here are three players who must deliver.
Andre Onana: Time is running out
Andre Onana is not just under pressure because of his current hamstring injury – his place in the squad has been under scrutiny for months.
After a string of costly errors in big moments during the 2024/25 season, fan patience has thinned considerably.
While he showed occasional flashes of brilliance, including multiple Save of the Month awards, the inconsistency and questionable decision-making have left Amorim and the club with difficult decisions.
He is expected to miss the start of the season, including the Premier League opener against Arsenal.
That gives potential replacements an early chance to prove themselves.
If Onana does regain fitness in time for the September fixtures, he’ll need to prove – immediately – that he’s reliable between the sticks.
Another season of high-profile mistakes could force United to act in the January window or next summer.
For Onana, this is no longer just about recovery. It’s about reputation, redemption, and re-establishing his value in a squad chasing serious improvement.
Matheus Cunha: From Wolves standout to Manchester United’s attacking solution?
Matheus Cunha’s £62.5 million arrival from Wolves was one of the most headline-grabbing transfers of the summer. On paper, it made sense: a player who thrives in quick transitions, presses well, and has an eye for goal. His 15 Premier League goals and six assists in 2024/25 were among the best returns in the league.
But playing for Wolves and playing for Manchester United are two very different things.
Cunha is expected to slot into Amorim’s 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1 system as one of the attacking midfielders or second forwards, with freedom to roam and combine. However, he’ll be judged less on effort and more on consistent impact. United’s attack has lacked bite and rhythm in recent years – Cunha will be tasked with changing that.
If he doesn’t translate his Wolves form to Old Trafford quickly, he risks becoming another expensive signing that flatters to deceive. The talent is there, but he has to hit the ground running to avoid falling behind in a crowded forward line.
United fans and neutrals are watching closely, especially as platforms like CasinoHEX SA continue to spotlight major football narratives in the region.
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Leny Yoro: Big Price Tag, Bigger Expectations
When United paid around £62 million for Leny Yoro, it was seen as a bold, long-term investment in a future star. But now that he’s here, the pressure is immediate.
The 19-year-old showed glimpses of quality last season, but also rawness – positioning errors, lapses in awareness, and struggles against experienced Premier League attackers.
That’s to be expected at his age, but the environment at United isn’t patient. With Raphael Varane gone and question marks over other centre-backs, Yoro could be thrust into a regular starting role sooner than anticipated.
If he rises to the occasion, he could anchor United’s defence for the next decade. But if his growing pains continue into the new season, United’s already fragile back line could crumble again. His performances, more than anyone else’s, may determine how solid Amorim’s system becomes.
Three Players, One Critical Season
Manchester United‘s success in 2025/26 may hinge less on new tactics and more on which individuals finally step up.
For Onana, it’s about redemption. For Cunha, it’s about proving he belongs at the very top. And for Yoro, it’s about showing he can carry the weight of expectations.
None of them can afford a quiet season.
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