Ruben Amorim has wasted no time putting his stamp on
Manchester United, and the latest transfer news suggests he’s already lined up two key players ahead of the summer.
Despite a challenging start to his reign at Old Trafford, marked by injuries to key players like
Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, and Amad, the Portuguese tactician has teased a shrewd approach to the upcoming transfer window, leaning on the adaptability of his current crop to ease the pressure on United’s stretched finances.
Amorim’s 3-4-3 system has been a work in progress since he took charge in November 2024, with injuries forcing him to experiment with players in unfamiliar roles.
Yet, amid the chaos, two stars have emerged as unexpected solutions, effectively confirming their places in his long-term plans without the need for costly signings.
Step forward Ayden Heaven and
Alejandro Garnacho—two players who’ve risen to the occasion and given Amorim a reason to smile.
Ayden Heaven, a promising academy product, has caught the eye with his versatility and composure at the back.
With United’s defensive ranks depleted—Lisandro Martinez injury-prone and veterans Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof nearing potential exits—Heaven has stepped up, adapting seamlessly to Amorim’s three-man defense.
His performances in training and cameo appearances have convinced the manager that he can fill a crucial role, saving millions that might have been spent on a new centre-back.
Meanwhile, Alejandro Garnacho has silenced doubters with his ability to thrive in Amorim’s setup. Initially seen as a traditional winger, the 19-year-old Argentine has adapted to the demands of the attacking midfield or forward roles in the 3-4-3, bringing flair and goal threat to a side that’s struggled for consistency up top.
His energy and skill have made him indispensable, proving he’s more than just a luxury player—and sparing United the expense of chasing a big-name attacker in that position.
“Much is being made of the upcoming transfer window, the first for Amorim with significant meaning,” a source close to the club told MEN Sport. “But he’s already dropping hints about his plans, and these two are at the heart of it.”
Speaking ahead of the Manchester City clash on Sunday, Amorim himself underscored the importance of recruitment, saying, “We need to be really good in recruitment.” Yet, his faith in Heaven and Garnacho suggests he’s already found answers from within.
The club’s summer strategy includes a major overhaul, with MEN Sport understanding that United aim to offload up to 10 players to refresh the squad and comply with Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
But with Heaven and Garnacho stepping up, Amorim has bought himself breathing room, reducing the urgency to splash cash in two key areas. “They’ve proved themselves as key players for me,” he reportedly said of the duo, per sources close to the camp (Image: Getty Images).
For a manager under pressure to deliver results, this is a rare bit of good news. Heaven’s emergence bolsters a shaky defense, while Garnacho’s form offers hope that United’s attack can click under Amorim’s guidance.
As the summer looms, the focus will be on high-impact signings elsewhere—perhaps a striker or a dynamic wing-back—but for now, these two homegrown talents have handed Amorim a head start, all without spending a penny.