LB9 Football: 6 Reasons Why Rúben Amorim’s Manchester United Are Emerging as Surprise Premier League Title Challengers

When Luke Shaw boldly declared during Manchester United’s pre-season tour in America that “the aim has to be winning the Premier League”, it sounded more like blind optimism than belief. After all, the 2024–25 season had been nothing short of disastrous — arguably the worst in the club’s illustrious history. For many, Shaw’s statement felt detached from reality.

And at first, it seemed like the critics were right. The Red Devils stumbled through their opening fixtures of the new campaign, winning just two of their first six league games. A crushing 3–1 loss to Brentford in late September dropped them to 14th place, and the pressure on new boss Rúben Amorim was reaching boiling point. Fans were restless, pundits were dismissive, and whispers of yet another managerial change filled the headlines.

Then came the turning point.

United’s season reignited with a 2–0 victory over high-flying Sunderland at Old Trafford, restoring some much-needed belief. Days later, Amorim’s men pulled off the unthinkable — a historic win at Anfield, ending a painful nine-year drought against Liverpool. For the first time in years, the Red Devils looked united in every sense of the word.

Momentum kept building. A 4–2 win over Brighton marked their third straight victory, propelling them back into the European mix and narrowing the gap to six points behind league leaders Arsenal. The Seagulls threatened a late fightback, but Bryan Mbeumo’s late strike sealed the points and symbolized a side rediscovering its killer instinct.

Amorim himself credits the turnaround to a shift in mindset:

“I think they are more confident,” he told reporters. “When you have belief and a different spirit, sometimes the luck follows you.”

After months of frustration, Manchester United are finally creating their own fortune. Shaw’s once-laughed-at ambition suddenly doesn’t seem so far-fetched. The Premier League title may still be a stretch — but for the first time in over a decade, the dream doesn’t feel impossible.

Under Amorim’s command, United aren’t just improving — they’re evolving. The energy, discipline, and purpose running through this team are reminiscent of the club’s glory days. Call it a resurgence, a rebuild, or even a revolution — but make no mistake, Manchester United are back in the conversation.

Lethal Mbeumo & Amad Partnership Powering United’s Revival

When Bryan Mbeumo signed for Manchester United in a £71 million ($95m) deal from Brentford, many fans feared the move might spell trouble for Amad Diallo’s future. After all, Amad had been one of United’s standout performers last season — second only to Bruno Fernandes — delivering unforgettable moments like his dramatic late winner at Manchester City and a dazzling hat-trick against Southampton.

Mbeumo, fresh off a 20-goal campaign at Brentford in the same right-sided role, looked like direct competition. The question on everyone’s lips was simple: Can Rúben Amorim fit both stars into one system?

At first, the answer appeared uncertain. United struggled to find balance in the opening weeks, but Amorim’s tactical tweaks have now turned skepticism into excitement. The pair have since forged a deadly partnership that’s driving United’s mid-season surge.

Amad has seamlessly transitioned into a wing-back role, with Mbeumo occupying one of the No.10 positions in Amorim’s dynamic 3-4-3 formation. The chemistry between them has grown rapidly — most notably in the win against Liverpool, where Amad’s exquisite outside-of-the-boot pass set up Mbeumo to score inside the opening two minutes.

“At first, we were just trying to understand each other,” Amad told the club’s official channel. “Now, when he moves forward, I drop into wing-back. When I push up, he covers as the No.10. Our relationship on and off the pitch is really strong — that makes all the difference.”

That understanding has become the heartbeat of United’s attack. When one doesn’t find the net, the other usually does. While Amad’s individual numbers have dipped slightly due to his increased defensive duties, his selfless adaptation has allowed Mbeumo to thrive.

And thrive he has. With six goal contributions in his first ten games, including a dazzling brace against Brighton, Mbeumo is quickly proving to be one of the best value signings of the Premier League season.

Both players are expected to represent their countries at the Africa Cup of Nations (Dec 21 – Jan 18) — a potential setback for United’s momentum. But if Amorim’s side can keep pace with Arsenal during their absence, the Mbeumo-Amad duo could return to spark a genuine title push in the season’s second half.

The Rise of ‘Special’ Cunha

Matheus Cunha hasn’t exploded onto the scene at Old Trafford quite as fast as Bryan Mbeumo, but his quality is impossible to ignore. Signed for £62.5 million ($83m) from Wolves in June, the Brazilian forward was seen as the long-awaited solution to Manchester United’s goal-scoring problem. After netting 15 goals for a struggling Wolves side in the 2024-25 season, expectations were sky-high — yet Cunha endured a frustrating opening spell, failing to score in his first eight appearances under Rúben Amorim.

A hamstring injury didn’t help his momentum, forcing him to miss the Manchester derby and limiting him to a short cameo against Chelsea. Still, his performances have shown promise. Cunha’s relentless energy, clever movement, and smart decision-making have added sharpness to United’s attack, even when the goals weren’t flowing.

His breakthrough finally came in style. Against Brighton, Cunha ended his drought with a stunning 24th-minute finish, curling the ball beautifully past Bart Verbruggen and unleashing a raw, emotional celebration in front of the Stretford End. It was the kind of moment that can transform confidence — not just for a player, but for an entire squad.

“He brings something that’s hard to define,” Amorim told MUTV. “It’s not just talent — it’s his comfort in big moments. He pushes the team forward. Of course, there are areas to improve, especially defensively, but he’s special. He’s vital for us and adaptable in many positions. Now, it’s about consistency — showing that level every week.”

Cunha’s blend of skill, aggression, and composure makes him a perfect fit for Amorim’s high-tempo system. And while his numbers are only beginning to reflect his influence, his impact on United’s rhythm is already undeniable.

Like Mbeumo, Cunha is a Premier League-proven match-winner, capable of turning tight games on their head. As both player and team continue to grow in sync, United may soon find they’ve unearthed another attacking star ready to lead their charge toward the top.

De Ligt: Finding His Prime at Last

Matthijs de Ligt’s first season at Manchester United didn’t exactly live up to expectations. The Dutch defender showed flashes of his immense potential, but inconsistency and a lack of agility often saw him exposed — the same flaws that followed him during his uneven stints at Juventus and Bayern Munich.

This campaign, though, feels different. It’s a career-defining season for De Ligt — one where he either proves himself as a world-class centre-back or risks fading from the top tier of European football. And so far, the 26-year-old looks like a man determined to reclaim his reputation.

Under Rúben Amorim, De Ligt has become a mainstay in the heart of United’s back three, regularly preferred over Harry Maguire. His commanding presence, dominance in duels, and growing leadership have added real steel to United’s defence. While his distribution under pressure still has room to improve, his positional sense and composure are finally shining through.

In a recent MUTV interview, De Ligt explained the difference this season:

“Having a full pre-season was massive for me. For the first time in years, I didn’t have a transfer, an injury, or a tournament. The last time I did was at Ajax — one of the best seasons of my career. Mentally and physically, I feel great now. The manager and my teammates have given me confidence, and I’m more adapted to the Premier League’s pace. I really feel like I’m entering my prime.”

United’s defensive solidity has become one of their strongest assets, and De Ligt is the cornerstone of that foundation. Every title-winning side is built on resilience at the back — and for the first time since his Ajax days, De Ligt looks ready to be that dependable, world-class pillar.

Goalkeeper Crisis Over: Lammens Brings Calm to Chaos

For over a decade, Manchester United have been chasing stability between the posts. Since the days of Edwin van der Sar, no goalkeeper has truly embodied that world-class presence. David de Gea, while decorated with Premier League, FA Cup, Europa League, and League Cup titles, often lacked the commanding assurance that defenders crave — and in his later years, costly errors became all too frequent.

When André Onana arrived under Erik ten Hag, fans hoped the chaos would end. Instead, it deepened. Despite his Champions League pedigree with Ajax and Inter Milan, Onana’s time at Old Trafford was plagued by high-profile mistakes and shaky confidence. Ten Hag’s insistence on his former player backfired spectacularly, and United’s defensive stability suffered week after week.

By the time Rúben Amorim took charge, patience had worn thin. The Portuguese coach handed the gloves to Altay Bayındır, but the Turkish shot-stopper also struggled to rise to Premier League standards. It wasn’t until deadline day that the real turning point arrived — the signing of Senne Lammens, a 23-year-old Belgian talent from Royal Antwerp for £18 million ($24m).

And what an impact he’s made. In just three games, Lammens has completely changed the mood at Old Trafford. He debuted with a clean sheet against Sunderland, then delivered clutch saves against Liverpool and Brighton to help United secure back-to-back wins.

What sets Lammens apart isn’t just his reflexes — it’s his composure and command. He dominates his box, distributes with precision, and radiates a calm confidence that’s been missing since Van der Sar’s retirement. Amorim’s side now plays with a newfound security, even adopting a more direct, attacking rhythm thanks to Lammens’ long-range passing.

It may be early days, but United fans finally have reason to believe they’ve found their long-term No.1. Lammens might not yet be world-class, but his presence signals the end of United’s goalkeeping uncertainty — and the start of a new era of assurance at the back.

If you love reading about top-performing goalkeepers, check out our full feature on the Top 10 Premier League Goalkeepers With the Most Clean Sheets — a tribute to the shot-stoppers who made EPL history.

A New Era of Discipline and Unity Under Amorim

Since taking over from Erik ten Hag last November, Rúben Amorim has faced a whirlwind of challenges. At times, the Portuguese tactician looked visibly frustrated on the sidelines, particularly after the humiliating Carabao Cup exit to Grimsby Town in August — a result that nearly pushed him to the brink of resignation. But instead of walking away, Amorim doubled down on his vision, showing remarkable resilience and self-belief.

Through a combination of meticulous training, tactical clarity, and charismatic leadership, Amorim has gradually transformed the culture at Manchester United. His players now fully buy into his methods — pressing as a unit, defending with discipline, and playing with renewed purpose.

Amorim has also silenced early critics who claimed he was too rigid in his system. Subtle adjustments — such as switching to a 5-4-1 defensive shape when out of possession — have made United far more balanced. The two No.10s now drop deeper to help Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro, while Luke Shaw steps into midfield to join the press. The result? A team that’s tough to break down and devastating on the counterattack.

Off the pitch, Amorim’s attention to squad rotation and recovery has sparked a complete cultural overhaul. Under Ten Hag, United’s injury crisis was out of control. Now, with smarter training loads and better conditioning, the Red Devils are fitter, sharper, and more consistent.

The summer clear-out also played a major role in restoring harmony. André Onana, Antony, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Alejandro Garnacho were all moved on — making way for a tighter, more unified squad. In their place, stars like Casemiro, Matthijs de Ligt, Amad Diallo, and Mason Mount have rediscovered their best form under Amorim’s guidance.

United still have work to do before they can be called genuine title contenders, but the mindset shift is undeniable. The players no longer crumble when adversity strikes — they respond with grit and togetherness.

As Amorim summed up perfectly after the Brighton win:

“We’re improving in the bad moments. We can respond differently now, and we feel we can solve anything.”

That quiet confidence may just be the foundation of Manchester United’s long-awaited return to the top.

Drop in Quality Elsewhere

Manchester United might not boast the same squad depth as Arsenal, Manchester City, or Liverpool — but that might actually play in their favour this season. With no European distractions, Ruben Amorim has the luxury of keeping his key players fresh and focused entirely on domestic glory. That extra rest and consistency could become United’s hidden weapon down the final stretch.

Across the league, cracks are beginning to show among the traditional powerhouses. City, once an unstoppable force under Pep Guardiola, look a shadow of their dominant selves. The reigning champions now rely heavily on Erling Haaland’s brilliance — and as Aston Villa showed last weekend, silence the Norwegian and City’s attack quickly loses its bite.

Liverpool, meanwhile, are in full-blown crisis mode just months after their record-breaking £446 million summer spree. Despite adding Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, and Jeremie Frimpong, Arne Slot’s side has fallen apart, suffering four consecutive league defeats. The Reds have lost their rhythm, and questions about Slot’s long-term future are growing louder with every passing week.

For more on Liverpool’s shaky title defence, read our full breakdown here:👉 2025/26 EPL Title Odds: Can Liverpool Defend Their Crown?

At the moment, Arsenal appear best placed to take advantage. Sitting four points clear at the top, with just three goals conceded and seven wins to their name, Mikel Arteta’s Gunners look formidable on paper. The additions of Viktor Gyökeres, Eberechi Eze, and Noni Madueke have added attacking depth — but there’s still a sense that Arsenal lack the flair and freedom of Arsène Wenger’s golden era.

Despite their defensive discipline, the Gunners’ attack has stagnated. Only five of their goals this season have come from open play, with the rest relying on set pieces. Amorim’s United, on the other hand, play with swagger and confidence, rediscovering the kind of creativity and ruthlessness that once defined the club’s DNA.

Whether that energy can be sustained over a long campaign remains to be seen — but there’s no doubt the Red Devils are rising fast. Under Amorim, belief is back at Old Trafford, and so are the whispers of a title challenge. The feeling is clear: Manchester United are on the comeback trail.

288% Welcome Bonus for Slots + Prosperous 8 Lucky Streak for Sports Betting

Boost your playtime and winnings with LB9’s 288% Welcome Bonus—exclusively for slot lovers on top providers like Pragmatic Play, Habanero, RedTiger, GoldenBay, CQ9, Fa Chai, Spribe, Relax Gaming, YGGDrasil, Advantplay, Evoplay, and Skywind.

⚽ Into sports betting? Don’t miss our Prosperous 8 Lucky Streak event, where you can score up to MYR 1,888 in rewards!

🎰 Spin for massive multipliers.🏆 Bet smart, win big on your favorite matches.💰 Start your journey with huge bonuses from day one.

Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this article, make sure to check out our top resources and start your journey with LB9 Online Casino today:

• 🎰 LB9 Official Site – Join the action and explore all our games.

• 📝 LB9 News Home – Stay updated with casino tips, sports insights, and betting news.

• 🎁 Welcome Bonus Guide – Learn how to claim and maximize your LB9 welcome bonus.

• 🖊️ Register Now – Sign up in minutes and claim your exclusive rewards!

👉 Play smarter. Win bigger. Stay ahead with LB9 Online Casino.