BREAKING NEWS: “You can definitely see how dedicated he was for Ipswich Town against Chelsea. That’s the type of player that Man United needs right now unlike the lazy players that are present at Old Trafford.” – This is according to Sir Alex Ferguson as he claims It’s evident that Ipswich Town’s ‘exceptional’ player is the ideal solution to Ruben Amorim’s £48m dilemma given that he’s currently enjoying a standout season.
Manchester United’s squad remains a work in progress under Ruben Amorim, with 2025 shaping up to be a crucial year for the club. Both on and off the pitch, significant changes are urgently required. Amorim, who has laid the foundation in his early tenure as manager, now faces mounting pressure to secure key victories. However, a 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth has made it clear that managerial skill alone won’t be enough—United must strengthen in the transfer market.
Defensive Reinforcements a Priority
One of the most pressing issues is the lack of depth in central defense. Despite adding two defenders over the summer, the situation remains dire. Victor Lindelof appears poised to leave, while Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans are nearing the end of their contracts. Addressing these deficiencies could be crucial to stabilizing the team’s backline.
Questions Over Lisandro Martinez
The left-sided center-back position, occupied by Lisandro Martinez, has come under scrutiny. Martinez’s inconsistent form, coupled with Luke Shaw’s recurring injury issues, has left Amorim’s system vulnerable. The lack of left-footed defenders only compounds the problem, underscoring the need for competition in this role.
Jorrel Hato: A Potential Solution?
One player who could address these issues is Jorrel Hato, an 18-year-old Ajax prodigy currently enjoying a breakout season. The versatile, left-footed defender can play both as a left-back and a left-sided center-back, making him an ideal candidate to challenge Martinez.
Hato’s impressive stats this season highlight his potential:
•Games Played: 15
•Goals: 2 (100th percentile)
•Assists: 4 (97th percentile)
•Pass Accuracy: 90.2% (92nd percentile)
•Long Ball Accuracy: 72.2% (96th percentile)
•Aerial Duels Won: 27 (96th percentile)
Praised for his maturity and professionalism, Hato has earned admiration from senior players like Jordan Henderson. Comparisons to Amorim’s former Sporting defenders, Eduardo Quaresma and Gonçalo Inácio, suggest that Hato could excel under the Portuguese manager’s system.
Challenges in Securing Hato
Signing Hato won’t come easy or cheap. Having recently extended his contract with Ajax, the young defender’s price tag will likely be high. However, his potential to transform United’s defense makes him an attractive target.
Looking Ahead
Amorim’s system relies on specific player profiles, and acquiring talents like Hato could be key to achieving success in the coming year. Strengthening the squad with the right reinforcements, particularly in defense, may determine whether Manchester United can return to competing at the highest level.
