Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has stated that the club does not require a large squad next season due to their absence from the UEFA Champions League. Following a disappointing 2024–25 campaign, where United finished 15th in the Premier League and lost the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur, Amorim is focusing on optimizing the existing team and nurturing academy talent.
Amorim’s Vision for a Leaner Squad
During a press conference in Malaysia, part of United’s post-season tour, Amorim explained the rationale behind maintaining a smaller squad
“We always prepare two plans. With and without the Champions League. Without the Champions League, we also don’t need a big squad,” Amorim told reporters.
He emphasized that a leaner squad would allow for better control and management, especially with fewer matches to play in the absence of European competitions.
Emphasis on Youth Development
Amorim is placing significant importance on developing young talent from the club’s academy. Several academy players have been included in the 32-man squad for the Asia tour, which features matches against the ASEAN All-Stars and a team in Hong Kong. This approach aligns with Amorim’s strategy to build a cohesive team for the future.
Financial Considerations and Transfer Strategy
Financial Fair Play regulations are also influencing United’s transfer strategy. Amorim acknowledged that the club’s spending capabilities are limited, even if they had qualified for the Champions League. Therefore, the focus is on improving the current squad and integrating academy players rather than extensive recruitment.
Leadership and Team Morale
Despite the challenges, Amorim remains optimistic about the team’s future. He highlighted the importance of leadership within the squad, particularly praising club captain Bruno Fernandes for his role during difficult times. Fernandes’ commitment and experience are seen as vital components in guiding the team through this transitional period.
What’s Next
As Manchester United embarks on their Asia tour, the focus is on building momentum and preparing for the upcoming season. The friendlies in Malaysia and Hong Kong are not only opportunities to engage with fans but also to assess the squad’s dynamics and integrate younger players into the first team.
Amorim’s pragmatic approach, centered on squad optimization and youth development, aims to lay a solid foundation for Manchester United’s resurgence in domestic and future European competitions.
