Ruben Amorim confronts Man Utd's pace problem in pre-season opener

For all the excitement surrounding new signings and tactical shifts, one truth became abundantly clear: United are still lacking the zip and sharpness required to ignite their attack.

Amorim, known for his tactical clarity and no-nonsense approach, acknowledged what fans could see with their own eyes - a team struggling to shift gears in the final third.

"We have a lack of pace," Amorim told MUTV. "Especially in the middle of the park, you can feel it's hard to bring the ball."

United's Premier League goal tally last season - just 44 - was the lowest in the club's modern era. Despite a debut appearance from 62.5 million pound signing Matheus Cunha, the same attacking hesitations resurfaced. Cunha, operating on the left side of a fluid front line, showed glimpses of why United paid big money to prise him from Wolves. But the chemistry with Bruno Fernandes and the rest of the attack remains in early development.

That hasn't deterred Amorim, who hinted that another key piece is on the way: Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo. The Cameroon international is being lined up to bring the injection of pace United desperately need - particularly in transition and wide areas where the team currently looks static.

Still, Amorim isn't just hoping for individual sparks. He's clear that the collective must raise its game.

"We need to increase our quality in the final third," he said. "We created chances, but this was just a first test. The connection between Cunha and Bruno isn't there yet - but it will be."

There's also movement expected off the pitch. Marcus Rashford, once the club's golden boy, is reportedly among five players earmarked for potential exits this transfer window. Barcelona have shown interest, and while no deal is imminent, a reshaped United front line is becoming more likely by the day.

Despite the churn, Amorim is upbeat about the squad's internal cohesion.

"The environment is really good," he emphasized. "Of course we'll struggle sometimes, but I can already see - we will struggle together. That's the beginning of everything."

Next up, United's tour of the United States - a critical stretch that will pit them against Premier League rivals West Ham, Bournemouth, and Everton before wrapping with a home test against Fiorentina. For Amorim, that tour isn't just about results - it's about building identity.

"All the changes are stopping. We need to leave (for the U.S.) as a group," he said. "We have a lot to improve - the speed of the game, all of the details. But we will get there."

United may not have hit the ground running this preseason, but under Amorim's steady hand, the groundwork is clearly being laid. Whether it clicks in time for the season opener - that's the real test.