FA Cup defeat to Fulham leaves Manchester United players wary of contracts

After the FA Cup 5th round defeat to Fulham, Manchester United (MU) coach Ruben Amorim is facing a series of questions from the media about te teham's decline in scoring ability as well as the alarming form of the strikers. In a press conference, the Portuguese coach frankly commented: "Sometimes, the main reason is the quality of the players."

Since taking over, MU's development under Amorim's leadership has not only lacked progress but also at times put the team in a state of crisis, at risk of relegation from the Premier League. Shocking statements from this strategist such as "David Moyes is doing better than me", or "MU is facing the risk of relegation" have made the atmosphere at Old Trafford tense.

Not only is it a matter of playing style, Amorim's statements can have a negative impact on the players' psychology, when the team's spirit is at a very low level. Recent poor results have added to the pressure, leading to a rift between the coach and the players. According to a report from the Daily Mail, Amorim blamed the poor performance for causing more than 400 club staff to lose their jobs, causing discontent among many players.

Joshua Zirkzee of Manchester United reacts after missing the last penalty

Onana will leave if MU successfully recruits Mike Maignan

Goalkeeper Andre Onana is having a difficult 2024/25 season. Although still playing the role of number one "goalkeeper" at Old Trafford, he has made more serious mistakes than last season. According to the Manchester Evening News, despite the difficulties, Onana is determined to stay at MU, but his future here is very uncertain with rumors that the club is looking for a new goalkeeper.

Coach Amorim is said to be targeting Mike Maignan, the top goalkeeper in Serie A and also a mainstay of the French national team. If this deal goes through, Onana's ability to continue playing as the main goalkeeper will become more difficult.

Kobbie Mainoo Faces Risk of Leaving

Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is also struggling to negotiate a new contract with United. According to the Daily Mail, the player is demanding a salary of £180,000 a week to agree to stay. Currently, Mainoo has a contract with the club until 2027 with the option of a 12-month extension, but many big clubs, including Chelsea, are closely monitoring his situation.

Victor Lindelof Could Return to Benfica

Defender Victor Lindelof is considering his future before his current contract expires at the end of the season. This season, he has only played 11 times as coach Amorim prioritizes Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt. Lindelof has been with United for more than 8 years and has made more than 180 appearances, but he could soon return to Benfica, the team he used to play for.

Victor Lindelof of Manchester United walks off at the end of the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round

The Portuguese press has reported that Lindelof has been a regular in his homeland and is open to a return to the Estadio da Luz, especially as his former club look to sign a centre-back to replace Nicolas Otamendi, who is set to join River Plate.

Matheus Cunha: Manchester United's Target

Meanwhile, Wolves striker Matheus Cunha is on United's radar. This is good news for the club, as Arsenal are also questioning the possibility of recruiting Cunha next summer. Cunha has had impressive performances since moving to Wolves, but his contract includes a release clause worth around £62.5 million.

Viktor Gyokeres: Solution for United's Attack

According to sources, United are considering signing striker Viktor Gyokeres in the summer transfer window. Previously, both Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee failed to meet the goalscoring requirements, so United need a new name in attack. Gyokeres has scored 80 goals in 89 games for Sporting Lisbon and has a good relationship with coach Amorim.

Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the Liga Portugal 

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, MU has contacted Sporting to update information about Gyokeres, and is also interested in Geovany Quenda - a long-term option for the striker position.

Under coach Ruben Amorim, Manchester United are facing many difficulties from poor form of the players to internal disputes. With the potential for change in the future and transfer targets being discussed, the team needs to quickly find a solution to restore form and regain the trust of fans.