Big Spending Side Effects of Manchester United, Ruben Amorim Has the Potential to Get an Unbalanced Squad

The Shiro Copr – Manchester United has become one of the busiest clubs in this summer transfer window. By mid-August 2025, they have already spent over 205 million pounds, or around Rp 4.33 trillion, to bring in new players. However, the distribution of this spending has raised questions: is the team becoming even more unbalanced?

Of the total spending, 98.3 percent was spent on attacking sectors. Only 1.7 percent was allocated to other areas. This situation has raised concerns that Ruben Amorim, the new manager of the Red Devils, might be strengthening one area while neglecting weaknesses in other sectors.

Four New Recruits, Three of Them Attackers

The most expensive recruit of this season is Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig, with a cost that can reach 73.5 million pounds or about Rp 1.55 trillion. Behind him are Bryan Mbeumo (70 million pounds, about Rp 1.48 trillion) and Matheus Cunha (62.5 million pounds, about Rp 1.32 trillion).

The only non-striker recruit is Diego Leon, a young left-back from Paraguay, who was brought in from Cerro Porteno for 3.3 million pounds or about Rp 69.7 billion. His transfer had been agreed upon before the summer transfer window opened, but it was pending until he turned 18. Although considered a promising prospect, Leon is not yet expected to be a starter.

It means that three out of four new recruits are attackers. Yet, United's current attacking list is already crowded. If all the players in the squad are counted, Amorim has ten names competing for three forward positions: Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Amad Diallo, Antony, Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, Rasmus Hojlund, Joshua Zirkzee, Chido Obi, and Benjamin Sesko.

Fierce Competition in the Front Line

Sesko's presence clearly positions him as the main attacking force. This makes the playing time of Hojlund and Zirkzee potentially threatened, although both may still be tried in supporting roles. Cunha and Mbeumo are expected to be the main choices in the attacking midfield or winger positions, which automatically lowers the priority of other creative players.

As a result, United is now actively seeking buyers for some of its strikers. Garnacho, for example, is currently in conflict with Amorim and the management. Napoli was interested, but the player is reportedly already chosen Chelsea as his next destination.

Sancho is also almost certainly leaving permanently after two loan spells, with Juventus among the interested clubs. Antony, who successfully completed his loan at Real Betis, is desired by the Spanish club, but he is also being watched by teams from Germany and Italy. He rejected an offer from Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.

Hojlund has been the subject of transfer rumors after failing to meet expectations since he joined from Atalanta in 2023. Two Serie A giants, Inter Milan and AC Milan, are said to be interested in bringing him back to Italy.

Interestingly, Garnacho, Sancho, and Antony are three of the six most expensive purchases in Manchester United's history. The total cost of the three of them reached 222 million euros, or equivalent to Rp 3.99 trillion.

Other Neglected Issues

Although the issues on the frontline have started to be resolved, United still has weak points in other areas. The goalkeeper position continues to face criticism, with many fans still not fully confident in Andre Onana.

On the left defense side, issues that have existed since Erik ten Hag's era are not yet fully resolved. Luke Shaw often gets injured and last season was more frequently deployed as a center-back. Tyrell Malacia, who returned from his loan at PSV, is not necessarily a long-term solution. Meanwhile, Patrick Dorgu, who is rumored to be coming, has not been officially announced yet.

The central defense position is also vulnerable. Last season, injuries caused Lisandro Martinez and Leny Yoro to be absent for a long time. This season, Martinez is still starting the competition in an unfitness condition. Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof have already left, leaving a gap in the squad's depth. Of course, there are names like Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt, and young talent Ayden Heaven, but the latter is considered not yet ready to regularly play at the highest level.

On the right flank, Amorim has Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui, who are quite reliable. Interestingly, Mazraoui was even played almost half of last season as a center-back. Due to the abundance of strikers, Amad Diallo was once tried out in the right-back position during pre-season.

No income from player sales yet

So far, United has not received significant income from selling players. The only major transfer is Marcus Rashford, who was loaned to Barcelona. Ethan Wheatley and Daniel Gore were also loaned to lower division clubs.

With more than 20 days left in the English transfer window, United are believed to sell several players. Their main focus is to reduce the congestion in the forward line, as well as cut the wage bill.

Optimism Still Exists

Although it seems unbalanced, optimism within United's camp has not disappeared. If the injury storm that ruined last season can be avoided, this squad still has a combination of promising young players and experienced stars. Amorim is said to be ready to fully implement his dynamic playing style in the English Premier League this season.

The transfer window is still open, and it's not impossible for United to make additional purchases to strengthen the weak line. However, if there is no improvement in the defense and goalkeeper sector, heavy spending in the front line could backfire.

Manchester United clearly want to bounce back after several disappointing seasons. Big spending in the forward line is a sign of their ambition. However, modern football is not only won by a lethal attack, but also by the overall balance of the team.

With a plentiful supply of attackers but a weak defense, Amorim faces a tough task to unite all these elements into a winning machine. The decisions in the remaining transfer window will be crucial—whether United can close the gap or start the season with an imbalanced squad.