Bruno Fernandes has given Manchester United two simple £100m transfer decisions to make
Latest Manchester United transfer news and opinion as Bruno Fernandes' verdict on Sunday's defeat to Newcastle gives Ruben Amorim to ponder
It's fair to say that Manchester United are in a bad place. Sunday's 4-1 thrashing at Newcastle United was the latest, 14th in the Premier League, defeat that portrayed a sorry site.
Ruben Amorim's first five months in charge of the club has produced a mixed bag. There have been many positives to come from the Portuguese's arrival, such as his cut-throat mentality to let players leave in January and ability to admit the challenge ahead of him.
However, there are so many negatives that, albeit not all his fault, remain to keep that dark grey cloud of United. As we enter the middle of April, Amorim must take United all the way in the Europa League to avoid any serious backlash at the end of the season.
The defeat to Newcastle showcased all the fragilities inside Amorim's team. Altay Bayindir didn't cover himself in glory, the back three played a part in all four goals conceded and it was yet another game without a goal from either striker.
Amorim has constantly been asked about his plans to renovate the squad in the summer transfer window and it's expected that the team could see an overhaul before the 2025/26 season. “There are characteristics we don’t have in our squad and we are trying to see about the gaps we have," he said.
"When I say we need ‘big players’ I’m not talking about players from Real Madrid. I am talking about players in the way I see the game. Of course money helps!
“We need to be really good in recruitment. We need to know our system and the way we play - and the players have to be perfect for their positions. So we know what we have to do, that is clear, and we will see next season.”
Captain Bruno Fernandes has been the one few shining lights in United's team this season, but he was below his best against Newcastle. However, his words after the defeat give Amorim something to ponder ahead of the transfer window.
"We gave some goals away, we were good in the first half and had some moments," he said. "In the second half, we could not play as much as we wanted because we couldn't break the lines against their man-marking. We didn't do it well enough, and the goals are from mistakes."
Two problems, from Fernandes' point of view. The midfield, Christian Eriksen and Manuel Ugarte, struggled against Newcastle's elite trio of Sandro Tonali, Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes, while the defence, consisting of sixth-choice Victor Lindelof, made three mistakes that led to goals.
Midfield and defence are two positions that United will look to strengthen in the summer. At their strongest, Ugarte lines-up alongside Kobbie Mainoo in midfield with Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez making-up the back three.
Eriksen and Lindelof are set to leave the club at the end of the season when their contracts expire, so they'll need replacing. Fernandes' words point towards the sort of signings United must be looking to make, although elite players in the two positions could cost a premium close to £50m-£100m.
Mason Mount's return from injury has come at a great time with the former Chelsea star fitting the mould of the player described by Fernandes. Behind him, United lack serious creativity.
Whilst a new striker is vitally important and the future of Andre Onana in limbo, the words from his captain have left Amorim with a simple decision to make when it comes to deciding his priorities this summer.
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