Lee Sharpe on Man United's Transfer Window, Grimsby Town Defeat and Ruben Amorim
It has been another frustrating start to the season for the Red Devils...
The season is already serving up plenty of talking points at Old Trafford. Former Manchester United star Lee Sharpe has weighed in on how the campaign has begun, reflecting on results, recruitment, and the challenges facing Ruben Amorim as he looks to impose his philosophy on the squad in my recent interview courtesy of EPL Index.
Sharpe, who knows exactly what it takes to succeed in a United shirt, offered his honest assessment of the early weeks, highlighting both reasons for optimism and areas where improvements are urgently needed.
Mixed Beginnings and Early Signs
Every campaign carries high expectations at Manchester United and this one is no different. Results have not always matched the ambition of the club or its supporters, but there have been flashes of encouragement.
Lee Sharpe explained, “It was so vitally important to get a win over Burnley, however they managed to get it done. The Arsenal performance was encouraging, the Fulham result was a fair result, but Grimsby was very worrying indeed. With no European football, this was the perfect opportunity to go deep or win the League Cup. However, we go into the international break with 4 points and now Amorim can look to build on this.”
There is no hiding place at Old Trafford. Every defeat is magnified, and every victory analysed. The Burnley win might have steadied nerves, but the League Cup exit was a major setback. The international break has arrived at a crucial moment, offering a chance to reset and focus on consistency for Amorim’s side
Sharpe believes the squad still has much more to offer, especially in attack. “As new the players integrate better with the squad, the attacking side can improve. Sesko clearly has the ability to score goals and lead the line, so excited to see if he can hit the ground running in September. It’s so important Man Utd can go on a good run now and it’s possible for sure if they can replicate the home performances v Arsenal especially.”
Transfer Business Evaluated
The summer window brought significant debate about Manchester United’s recruitment strategy. Some positions were strengthened, but other areas continue to spark concern.
Lee Sharpe was clear in his verdict. “The most important business at the end was keeping Mainoo. I think he has great ability and can be a big part of the team this season and beyond. Mbuemo, Sesko and Cunha are good signings for sure. Mbuemo and Cunha have Premier League experience, they also have proven they can score goals and contribute well in the Premier League, so I see no reason why they can’t be big players for the Club. Sesko clearly has ability, and with more game time, can be a key player this season. I would have liked another holding midfielder to come into the team. The new Goalkeeper, we will see how he does. I hope the club have done their due diligence and he can be better than what we have.”
United’s midfield remains a constant subject of discussion. Retaining Kobbie Mainoo is seen as a major positive, underlining his potential to become a long-term cornerstone of the side but Amorim’s lack of trust in the youngster is frustrating. In attack, the arrivals of Mbuemo, Cunha and Sesko add variety and depth alongside the likes of Amad Diallo and Joshua Zirkzee, though there is a shared feeling among fans that another defensive shield in midfield could have brought balance.
Questions over the goalkeeping department are louder than ever, with Sharpe emphasising the importance of reliability at the back. That area will likely be scrutinised heavily in the coming months as Andre Onana heads to Trabzonspor on a season-long loan.
Ruben Amorim’s Challenge
Manchester United turned to Ruben Amorim with the ambition of rebuilding and restoring the team’s competitive edge. Patience is thin in modern football, and results are always the ultimate yardstick.
Sharpe summed up the situation bluntly. “The Board have backed him, so it’s a difficult one for sure. He does need to get results now. I like him as a man, I see his intentions, but it must now result in getting results on the pitch.”
Amorim has already introduced a tactical identity that requires players to adapt. He, perhaps stubbornly, sticks to a system that demands specific profiles and insists on a structured way of playing. That makes recruitment vital, but it also raises a question about what happens if change is forced upon the club.
As Sharpe put it, “The new players are settling in, but you can’t concede a goal a game from a Goal Keeper mistake and expect to win games. He is trying to play a certain way and bring in players to suit. So, if you let him go and bring in a manager who plays 4 at the back, then this can also be an issue.”
This underlines the wider dilemma facing Manchester United. Stability has been hard to come by since Sir Alex Ferguson retired, and each new manager has brought sweeping tactical adjustments. The club must now decide whether to back Amorim fully or risk another cycle of upheaval.
Looking Ahead
Lee Sharpe’s words carry the perspective of someone who has experienced the intensity of playing for Manchester United. The team has attacking potential with the likes of Sesko, Mbuemo and Cunha, and Mainoo represents a beacon of hope for the future. Yet the need for consistency, defensive solidity and clarity in goalkeeping can’t be ignored.
Ruben Amorim is a coach with clear ideas, but the next few months will be decisive. Supporters want to see not just glimpses of quality, but sustained runs of results that reflect the stature of the club. With tough fixtures to come after the international break against Manchester City and Chelsea, there’s no better time for United to turn performances into momentum.
Manchester United have long been associated with results and performance. For Amorim, the challenge is ensuring that both traits are visible week after week. Lee Sharpe has made it clear that progress must be tangible, and that the club cannot afford to lose sight of what is required to compete at the very top.