Sport
Fabrizio Romano Reveals Rúben Amorim’s Plans to Replace Marcus Rashford at Manchester United

The time seems to be ticking down on Marcus Rashford’s relationship with Manchester United. As the academy graduate, once hailed as the embodiment of the club’s tradition of developing homegrown talent, looks set to leave, Manchester United faces a critical moment.
This departure opens a significant gap in the Red Devils’ attack, and with the club embarking on a new era under manager Rúben Amorim, finding a suitable replacement for Rashford has become a top priority. Amorim, known for his tactical acumen, has already set his sights on a player who not only fits his system but can also replicate the attacking dynamism Rashford once provided. Here are five potential candidates who could be the ideal solutions to this pressing need.
1. Pedro Gonçalves: A Natural Fit for Amorim’s System
Pedro Gonçalves, a key figure under Rúben Amorim at Sporting CP, emerges as a leading contender to fill Rashford’s boots. The Portuguese forward has flourished in Amorim’s tactical setup, particularly in a left-sided number 10 role, a position that Rashford often occupied during his best years at Manchester United. Gonçalves boasts an impressive 81 goals and 57 assists in just 190 appearances, a testament to his attacking prowess. This season, his statistics have remained robust, with an average of 8.86 shot-creating actions per game in the Primeira Liga, showing his ability to generate chances consistently.
However, it is not just Gonçalves’ offensive contributions that make him stand out. His work ethic and defensive contributions add a layer of depth to his profile. He presses effectively and provides tactical discipline—qualities that Amorim highly values. With his experience in Amorim’s system, Gonçalves would likely settle in quickly at Old Trafford, making him an ideal candidate to replace Rashford’s attacking flair.
2. Francisco Trincão: A Versatile Talent
Another player who has excelled under Amorim’s guidance is Francisco Trincão. While primarily operating as a right-sided number 10, Trincão’s versatility and technical ability give him the tools to shine in a variety of attacking roles. With 29 goals and 25 assists in 124 appearances, Trincão has proven his capacity to contribute significantly to his team’s offensive output.
What sets Trincão apart is his exceptional dribbling ability and vision. He can effortlessly glide past defenders, making him a valuable asset when breaking down compact defenses. In matches where United struggle to unlock deep defensive blocks, Trincão’s skill set could provide the necessary creativity. His experience playing under Amorim would allow him to fit into the tactical demands at Manchester United seamlessly, offering a fresh dimension to their attack.
3. Alberto Moleiro: The Creative Youngster
Alberto Moleiro, the young winger from Las Palmas, is another intriguing option for Manchester United. In La Liga, Moleiro has consistently impressed with his technical ability and creativity, making him one of the standout performers this season. Primarily playing as a left-winger, Moleiro has the freedom to drift into central areas and create chances for his teammates. This flexibility could make him an ideal fit in Amorim’s dynamic attacking system.
Moleiro’s dribbling skills are exceptional, ranking him among the top players in La Liga for successful dribbles per game. With four goals to his name already this season, he has demonstrated his knack for finding the back of the net. In addition, his vision and ability to make key passes make him a potent creator. His potential to evolve into a top-tier player under Amorim’s tutelage makes him a strong candidate for the Red Devils.
4. Mohammed Kudus: The Premier League Revelation
Mohammed Kudus has been one of the standout performers in the Premier League this season with West Ham United. The Ghanaian international has impressed with his dribbling, averaging 3.7 successful dribbles per game, and his ability to perform in tight spaces makes him a dangerous proposition for any defender. Kudus’ skill set is perfect for breaking down low-block defenses, which United often struggle against.
While Kudus typically operates as a right-winger, his versatility allows him to adapt to Amorim’s dual number 10 system. His creativity, set-piece delivery, and tendency to make decisive contributions in key moments would provide an added dimension to United’s attacking game. However, his high market value might present a challenge for United in their pursuit of Kudus, but the potential return on investment is undeniable.
5. Matías Soulé: A Bright Young Talent from Serie A
Matías Soulé, currently at AS Roma, represents one of Serie A’s most exciting young prospects. Though his season has been challenging, Soulé’s ability to read the game, his intelligence on the ball, and his work ethic set him apart as a potential gem for the future. Known for his versatility, Soulé can operate across the forward line, making him adaptable to Amorim’s needs.
Defensively, Soulé has impressed with his pressing and recovery work, averaging 3.3 recoveries per game. This trait aligns perfectly with Amorim’s high-intensity tactical philosophy, where pressing from the front is crucial. Soulé’s ability to contribute to both ends of the pitch, combined with his promise, makes him a strong long-term investment for Manchester United. Given his age, Soulé has immense potential to grow into a world-class forward, and under Amorim’s guidance, that evolution could come sooner than expected.
The Importance of Amorim’s Vision
As Manchester United enters a new chapter under Rúben Amorim, the need for a replacement for Marcus Rashford is critical. Amorim’s tactical philosophy, which focuses on high pressing, fluid attacking play, and dynamic movement, demands a player who can seamlessly fit into this system. The five players mentioned—Gonçalves, Trincão, Moleiro, Kudus, and Soulé—all offer distinct qualities that could complement Amorim’s approach.
Amorim has always shown an ability to develop players and make them key contributors to his system. The success of his tenure at Sporting CP speaks to his ability to integrate players effectively into his tactical setup, and he will need to replicate that success at Manchester United. A player like Gonçalves, familiar with Amorim’s style, could make an immediate impact, while a more versatile option like Trincão could offer long-term value in a variety of attacking roles.
A Crucial Decision for Manchester United’s Future
Manchester United’s pursuit of a new attacking star is not just about replacing Rashford; it’s about building a team that can challenge for the top honors in European football once again. The club’s decision to bring in a player who can fit seamlessly into Amorim’s system will be a defining moment in this process. Whether they look to Gonçalves’ proven quality, Trincão’s versatility, Moleiro’s promise, Kudus’ Premier League experience, or Soulé’s untapped potential, each candidate offers unique advantages that could serve the club well in the coming years.
The next few months will be pivotal for Manchester United as they look to secure their future in attack. The right choice will be crucial not only for maintaining their offensive threat but also for ensuring that Amorim’s vision for the team is realized. United fans will be watching closely as the club navigates this critical phase of their rebuild.
As the Red Devils seek to move forward without Rashford, the key to success lies in signing a forward who can not only replace the England international but also help propel the club back to its former glory. The decisions made now will shape Manchester United’s fortunes for years to come.
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