Are Manchester United Prioritising Data-Driven Recruitment Like Brighton?

Steven Grundy asks: “Are Manchester United now prioritising data-driven recruitment in the same way as clubs like Brighton, or is it still mainly manager-led?”

JJ replies: Manchester United’s recruitment approach is now a blend of data-driven scouting and manager input. Head coach Rúben Amorim must approve any potential recruit flagged through analytics, while the data team ensures the player’s profile matches key performance metrics.

In addition, Jason Wilcox, United’s director of football, has the final say in signing off players. This structured process means United combine modern data analysis with traditional managerial judgment, rather than relying solely on one approach.

Manchester United Transfer Needs: Goalkeeper or Midfield Reinforcement?

Michael Scanella asks: “Where do you think United need to strengthen more: in goal or central midfield? Personally, I think United just about have enough players to cope in midfield throughout the season. In goal, Onana is not reliable and there’s a mistake in him that costs nine points a season. And if United did buy a keeper, who are they looking at?”

JJ responds: If it’s an either/or decision between signing a goalkeeper or a defensive midfielder, then the priority has to be a goalkeeper. Rúben Amorim can rely on Lisandro Martínez as backup for Manuel Ugarte in midfield, but United lack depth in goal.

The club have already scouted Royal Antwerp’s Senne Lammens, a 23-year-old Belgian keeper (yet to make his senior international debut). While still a developing talent, he’s seen as a potential option for the future.

Manchester United Transfer News & Manager Pressure: Amorim’s Future, Goalkeeper Debate, and Squad Deficiencies

Onana’s Future: Is a New Goalkeeper Coming?

FrustratedCentreHalf asks:
"Is there any movement on the goalkeeper front? I can’t believe we’re going into another season with Onana as first choice after what he’s shown. I’ve seen Vitek mentioned, but he’s still developing. Will United just make do and mend so the money can be spent elsewhere?"

JJ responds:
Rúben Amorim, his coaching staff, and Jason Wilcox all recognise the same issue fans see: André Onana is error-prone and costing United crucial points. A new goalkeeper is a priority, but not the top priority — that remains signing a defensive midfielder (No. 6).

Amorim was directly asked about Onana’s future last April. His breezy reply was: “You choose the questions, I choose the answer.” If no new goalkeeper is signed before 1 September, JJ believes it would be a major failure from Amorim and United’s recruitment team.

How Long Does Amorim Have at Manchester United?

Rob Hisnay asks:
"How long does Rúben Amorim really have at United? After last season’s disaster and three defeats to Spurs, the first 10 fixtures are brutal. If United lose most of them, will Ratcliffe act?"

JJ responds:
This is the key question. If United lose most of their first 10 Premier League games, Sir Jim Ratcliffe will almost certainly consider sacking Amorim.

Why? Because the club have already invested £200m+ on three Amorim-approved signings — Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Šeško, and Matheus Cunha. If results collapse despite that backing (and possibly a new No. 6), the blame will fall squarely on Amorim.

Can the New Front Three Save Manchester United?

garythenotrashcougar asks:
"Given that United haven’t addressed problems across the squad, how much can the new front three realistically do? Is it fair to expect them to cover up all the team’s weaknesses?"

JJ responds:
Realistically, this season could be another tough campaign for United. The squad has major deficiencies:

A weak midfield without a top-class defensive midfielder
An unreliable goalkeeper in Onana
A 3-4-3 system under Amorim that still hasn’t clicked

JJ noted United’s poor display against Fiorentina in pre-season, describing them as “tepid” while Mbeumo looked off the pace. Cunha impressed, but relying solely on the new front three of Mbeumo, Šeško, and Cunha is unrealistic.

If Amorim can land someone like Morten Hjulmand (Sporting CP) for midfield, the outlook may improve. But without reinforcements, a top-10 finish may be the ceiling, and Amorim could be on his way out by late autumn if results don’t change.