Manchester United’s recent moves have drawn a lot of attention from fans.The team has just signed Mateusz Cunha and is closing in on the signing of Brian Mbemo, while team veteran Bruno Fernandes has also confirmed that he will remain with the team.This leaves United with three very potent attacking players in the midfield and up front.
So the question arises: can these three play together?How is head coach Ruben Amorim going to arrange their positions?That’s the biggest concern right now.
Manchester United make a lot of moves this summer
Manchester United have been very active in the transfer market in the summer of 2025.They spent £62.5 million to bring in Mateusz Cunha from Wolves and are almost certain to sign Brentford’s Brian Mbemo.Meanwhile, captain Bruno Fernandes has decided to continue playing for the Red Devils.
This means that United’s offensive line is in for a big upgrade.But this also brings a “happy problem” for coach Amorim – how to get the best out of these three attackers?
Why is this a challenge?
First of all, we have to realize that Mbemo and Cunha are not here to play on the bench.Both of them are in the prime of their careers, with excellent technique and pace, and are perfect for the 3-4-2-1 formation that Amorim likes to use.
More importantly, both players can play the role of “attacking midfielder”, which means that they can move behind the striker, responsible for organizing attacks and creating threats.This style of play is similar to what Amorim used to do at Sporting Lisbon.
So, if these two come to United only to sit on the bench, that obviously doesn’t make much sense.It also means that Bruno Fernandes may need to make some adjustments.
Possible Solution 1: Bruno back into midfield
This option has actually been tried a couple of times in the 2024/25 season.At the time, United lacked creativity in midfield and Bruno was placed further back in the game as part of the midfield.
Bruno’s passing ability and vision is really good and he could be partnered with Casemiro, Kopi Mainu or Manuel Ugarte.There are risks with this position though.
Bruno is not a very defensive player, he prefers to run forward and get involved in the attack.If he keeps going forward, it could lead to problems in the defensive midfield.Therefore, if Amorim chooses to play him in midfield, he has to make sure that the defense is solid enough so that Bruno can be trusted to support the attack.
Possible solution 2: Bruno to partner one of the attacking midfielders
Another option would be to keep Bruno in his familiar position, which is one of the two attacking midfielders behind the strikers.But then one of Mbemo or Cunha would have to sit on the bench.
In terms of form, speed and pressing ability, Bruno is still slightly weaker than these two newcomers.While his experience and leadership are still important, Amorim may prefer to start the more dynamic newcomers in the new system.
This would have the benefit of keeping the team’s offense efficient and up-tempo, but at the cost of potentially less playing time for Bruno.
Possible Solution #3: Rotate the three on the field to create competition
The third possibility is for Amorim to use a rotation where Bruno, Mbemo and Cunha all get a chance to play.Such an approach would stimulate competition among the players as well as give the team the flexibility to adjust the lineup in different games.
For example, Cunha could play as a “false nine”, i.e. look like a striker but actually play more in the midfield and organize the attack.Bruno and Mbemo can move freely around him, forming a fast and flexible attacking combination.
Hoylund is currently the only regular striker at United, but he’s still in his formative years and needs more games to gain experience.Putting him on the bench for the time being is also a way to put pressure and motivation on the young player.
What is the plan for Amorim?
Regardless of the final arrangement, one thing is for sure: Amorim already has a clear idea.This introduction of both Mbemo and Kounia suggests that United’s attacking system is undergoing a major shake-up.
Although Bruno is the soul of the team, he must also adapt to the changes.After all, soccer is a team sport, and only the players that best fit the team’s overall style will win more games.
We’ll have a better idea of Amorim’s true intentions when the summer training camp begins.At that time, it will also be clearer who will be the centerpiece of United’s attacking side in the new season.
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