- Manchester United's disappointing campaign extended with a 1-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon.
- Ruben Amorim had only 12 first-team players available for the trip to North London, as his team continues to be affected by a series of injuries.
- The club can sign free agents like their former midfielder Paul Pogba on short-term deals to salvage their season.
It's undeniable that Ruben Amorim has faced difficulties at Manchester United, with the loss at Tottenham being his eighth in 14 Premier League matches.
The former manager of Sporting Lisbon arrived in England last year full of promise, looking to bring new energy to a team that had appeared to have lost momentum under Erik ten Hag.
However, it has been a case of two steps forward, one step back, with his tenure at Old Trafford largely inconsistent.
The wins against Manchester City and Arsenal, as well as the draw at Anfield, will undoubtedly be notable achievements on his resume, but the losses against Bournemouth, Wolves, and Brighton somewhat detract from the significance of those significant victories.
Manchester United's injury crisis
The situation has been made more challenging due to the alarming increase in the number of injuries at the club. 12 first-team players were unable to participate in the Sunday game in North London, and Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou is well aware of his team's current circumstances.
There are definitely a few. I could see Ruben there, players out of position, kids on the bench. Well, welcome to my world. But that's for one game. Now do that for two months. Do that for two months. Any club. Do that for two months.
Players available for Manchester United to sign
With the transfer window now closed, the club can only sign free agents to try to salvage the situation. The only issue with free agents is that most of them haven't played in a long time and will likely need several weeks to regain match fitness, a luxury Amorim does not have.
Considers some potential free agents United could target if necessary.
1. Paul Pogba - Midfielder
Discussing familiar figures. Is Paul Pogba 3.0 feasible? Pogba's return to Turin did not unfold as expected, as a knee injury and subsequently a doping ban led Juventus to end his contract.
When he was at his peak, Pogba was regarded as one of the most skilled midfielders of his age group, but he had trouble demonstrating that level of performance on a consistent basis at Manchester United. Now, at 31 years old, he might be tempted by the opportunity to revive his career at a club where he once played.
2. Diego Costa - Centre-Forward
The Red Devils have invested heavily in forwards in recent years. Their current strike force of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee has scored only five Premier League goals this season, and could benefit from the experience of Diego Costa.
The attacking player was let go by Gremio last season. He has won the Premier League twice as the team's main striker and could bring valuable experience to the position.
Concerns would likely be raised regarding his age and his performance in the Premier League when he last played for Wolves.
3. Serge Aurier - Defender
With Lisandro Martinez out for the rest of the year, Amorim may consider Serge Aurier. Released by Galatasaray last season, the Ivorian can play as a wingback in the preferred 3-5-2 formation or one of the three central defenders.
The current market for free agents is relatively barren, but with a pool of talented academy players to choose from, you may be inclined to explore and see if you can make a signing. Manchester United are currently ranked 15th in the league table, 12 points clear of the relegation zone.
Djed Spence faces off against Manchester United.
The publication has also reported on how a Harambee Stars player received the Man of the Match award against Manchester United.
Djed Spence delivered an outstanding performance against Manchester United as Tottenham secured a 1-0 victory.