“You can definitely see how dedicated he was for Ipswich Town against Chelsea. That’s the type of player that Man United needs right now unlike the lazy players that are present at Old Trafford.” – This is according to Sir Alex Ferguson as he claims It’s evident that Ipswich Town’s ‘exceptional’ player is the ideal solution to Ruben Amorim’s £48m dilemma given that he’s currently enjoying a standout season.

Manchester United’s squad remains a work in progress for Ruben Amorim, and 2025 could usher in significant changes.

The club faces a pivotal year, with on-field and off-field transformations urgently needed. Amorim, having laid the groundwork during his initial month as manager, now faces the challenge of delivering key victories. However, a recent 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth underscores that managerial expertise alone won’t suffice—reinforcements in the transfer market are essential.

Defensive Reinforcements Needed

One glaring issue is the center-back position, where a lack of quality depth has hindered Amorim. Despite two defensive signings over the summer, the situation is dire, with Victor Lindelof likely departing and both Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans nearing the end of their contracts. Strengthening this area could resolve many of the team’s defensive vulnerabilities.

Lisandro Martinez’s Role Under Scrutiny

The left-sided center-back position, currently occupied by Lisandro Martinez, has been identified as a weak spot. Amorim’s system has highlighted the need for competition in this role, especially given Martinez’s inconsistent form and Luke Shaw’s recurring injuries. The lack of left-footed defenders further exacerbates the problem.

Jorrel Hato: The Perfect Fit?

One potential solution is 18-year-old Ajax talent Jorrel Hato, who is enjoying a breakout season. The versatile, left-footed defender can operate as both a left-back and a left-sided center-back, making him an ideal candidate for the Martinez role.

Hato’s impressive stats this season underline his potential:

• Games Played: 15
• Goals: 2 (100th percentile)
• Assists: 4 (97th percentile)
• Pass Accuracy: 90.2% (92nd percentile)
• Long Ball Accuracy: 72.2% (96th percentile)
• Aerial Duels Won: 27 (96th percentile)

Described as mature beyond his years, Hato has drawn praise from players like Jordan Henderson, who highlighted his professionalism and talent. Comparisons to Amorim’s former Sporting Lisbon defenders, Eduardo Quaresma and Goncalo Ignacio, suggest Hato could thrive under the Portuguese manager’s guidance.

The Challenges of Signing Hato

However, securing Hato’s signature won’t be easy or cheap. Having recently signed a new contract with Ajax, the young defender’s transfer fee is likely to be steep. Despite this, his potential to transform United’s defensive lineup makes him a compelling target.

With Amorim’s system requiring specific player profiles, investing in talents like Hato could be the key to unlocking success in the coming year.