Manchester United fans can admit one thing: the club did some good business in the summer.

The attack looks sharper, the goals are coming, and goalkeeper Senne Lammens has quietly brought calm between the posts. For the first time in a while, Old Trafford does not feel like a fire drill every weekend.

But let’s be honest, this squad is still not good enough.

Ruben Amorim knows it. The board knows it. And fans definitely know it.

If United want to qualify for Europe, January 2026 is massive.

The biggest problem area is midfield.

Right now, Amorim is using Bruno Fernandes deeper, often next to Casemiro. It works at times, but it feels like a short-term fix. Casemiro has been solid again, but he is nearing the end of his contract. Bruno is best when he attacks, not when he spends all game protecting the defence.

United need a proper holding midfielder — someone who can sit, tackle, and let Bruno breathe.

The worrying part is trust. Amorim does not seem to trust Manuel Ugarte, despite knowing him well from Sporting. Kobbie Mainoo, one of United’s brightest talents, is also stuck on the bench. That is not a healthy situation.

In my opinion, United must sign at least one midfielder Amorim actually wants to play.

Names like Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton, and Elliot Anderson all make sense. Baleba fits the physical profile. Wharton can control games with passing. Anderson brings energy and maturity. If money is tight, Lucien Agoumé is a smart, defensive option.

But midfield is not the only issue.

Amorim’s system depends heavily on wingbacks, and the left side still looks unfinished. Patrick Dorgu has talent, but he has not fully convinced yet. Without strong wingbacks, Amorim’s shape simply does not work.

This is why January matters.

United do not need flashy names. They need the right players, in the right roles, who fit the manager’s system.

Get it right, and United push for Europe.

Get it wrong, and this season risks drifting again.

January will tell us how serious this rebuild really is.