Just two games into the 2025/26 Premier League season, and Manchester United’s hopes of revival are already on thin ice. A 1–1 draw against Fulham on August 24, coming off a loss to Arsenal, has fans questioning not just the players, but the very structure of the team under new manager Ruben Amorim.
Despite a £200 million spending spree on forwards Benjamin Šeško, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo, United’s attack has stalled—not due to lack of firepower, but due to a collapsing midfield.
A Midfield with No Pulse
Last season’s disastrous 15th-place finish led to sweeping changes. Amorim’s appointment promised fresh tactics, while big-money strikers were expected to bring goals. But as fans quickly learned, even the sharpest spear is useless without a functional handle.
Bruno Fernandes, still United’s most dynamic player, is being stretched to the limit. On Saturday, he was forced into a “three-in-one” role: playmaker, ball-winner, and emergency outlet. He missed a key penalty, and his influence faded as the match wore on.
Casemiro, once a midfield general, now looks past his prime—unable to cover ground or shield the backline effectively. Manuel Ugarte, brought on as reinforcement, struggled with basics: positioning, passing, even tracking runners. Meanwhile, Mason Mount, pushed forward to support Bruno, found himself lost between roles—neither a creator nor a consistent threat.
Attackers Starve, Defenders Scramble
Šeško, Cunha, and Mbeumo weren’t the problem—they were the victims. With no supply from midfield, Šeško was isolated, Cunha faded after a bright start, and Mbeumo spent most of the match chasing lost causes.
But the rot goes deeper. The root of midfield dysfunction might lie at the back—with goalkeeper Altay Bayındır. His errors against Arsenal were repeated against Fulham, especially on set pieces. Each corner delivery sent panic through United’s ranks.
When the defense is nervous, the midfield drops back to cover. That leaves no one to connect with the attack, resulting in the same disjointed play that haunted United last season. Amorim’s decision to bench André Onana, who had returned from international duty, has raised eyebrows. Some speculate it’s a message to the board; others see it as a tactical gamble gone wrong.
Amorim’s Bruno Dilemma
A manager’s success often hinges on unlocking their best player. At Sporting, Amorim built a title-winning side by complementing pieces around a strong midfield core. At United, Bruno Fernandes is being asked to do too much.
Play him deeper, and he burns out. Push him forward, and there’s no one behind to distribute. Shift him wide, and United lose their most consistent creative spark. This is Amorim’s biggest tactical puzzle—one he must solve fast, or risk losing the dressing room.
Warning Signs and What’s Next
United’s next opponents are Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup, followed by Burnley in the Premier League. On paper, both are winnable. But if the midfield issues persist, United could find themselves out of the cup and adrift in the league table—again.
Old Trafford has heard alarms for years, but fans are growing numb. After spending over £200 million, the attack still looks toothless—not because of the strikers, but because the team’s heart, its midfield, is failing.
Ruben Amorim has time, but not much. Unless he can restore balance, energy, and creativity to the engine room, United are on course for another wasted season—and no striker, no matter how expensive, can save them.
Sources: Znews
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