Manchester United trio could help solve three biggest issues with Ruben Amorim's formation

Man Utd will have a close eye on their loan stars as they plan for the future under Ruben Amorim.

There is still a great divide over what the biggest issue is at Manchester United. Some would say Ruben Amorim is the problem, others would say the system. Then there is the argument that the players aren't performing well enough either. The truth is probably a combination of all three.

It almost seems pointless to suggest a formation change while Amorim is in charge, such is his belief in his style of play and an adamant faith that it will eventually come good. If that is going to happen, they will need to address three major issues that have underpinned their system so far this season.

United prioritised an attacking overhaul in the summer because Amorim felt it was the area of the squad that held them back the most during his first season. Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko arrived and there is optimism that the new £200 million forward line will come good once they have had time to settle.

What is so alarming is that even after such heavy investment in the summer, there are already obvious areas to improve next year too. There is already an expectation United will move to sign a new goalkeeper to challenge Senne Lammens for the starting role, while there is also obvious need for reinforcement in both of the wing-back roles.

The most glaring priority is central midfield though. United would liked to have signed one this past summer window if possible and they could need two or three next year. Casemiro is out of contract at the end of the campaign, Bruno Fernandes is still a target for Saudi Arabian clubs, Kobbie Mainoo has doubts over his long-term future and Manuel Ugarte has failed to deliver so far.

Just how many players United sign could depend on how well three of their loan stars perform for the rest of the season. United allowed 18 players to leave the club on temporary deals in the summer, and the three who moved to Championship clubs would appear to have the most obvious hopes of first-team football upon their return.

Radek Vitek, Harry Amass and Toby Collyer all moved to the England second-tier as it was viewed as a division in which they would gain the most relevant experience to aid their development, with the ambition of either being much better-suited to the first-team environment or being sold for huge profit instead. It just so happens the trio also fills the three positions that United will look to strengthen next summer as well.

Of all those who left United on loan, Vitek has performed the best so far this season and has been a key part of Bristol City's fine start to the Championship season. He has kept three clean sheets in eight appearances for his new club, who currently sit fifth in the division. The 21-year-old could follow in the path of compatriot Matej Kover, who was sold to Bayer Leverkusen after three impressive loan spells, though he might hope to emulate Dean Henderson, who challenged for the starting spot after he had also enjoyed success in the Championship.

Amass was not deemed physical enough to cope with the demands of the Premier League and it is hoped a season with Sheffield Wednesday will give him priceless experience to match his technical ability with the raw tenacity and aggression to play at the highest level. At the age of 18, he is already a regular in their starting line up and has played a key role in a revitalised run that has seen them go three matches unbeaten despite all of their off-field issues. He is the youngster who could benefit the most from regular football this season and return to United with genuine first-team aspirations.

Then there is Toby Collyer. He might find it harsh that he had to drop down a division to gain regular playing time but so far he has only made seven substitute appearances for West Brom, who currently sit fourth in the division. As the season progresses, the 21-year-old will likely have the opportunity to solidify a starting role in the lineup. If he manages to do so for a team at the top end of the Championship, then a role in the United first-team squad will have to be considered next summer.

United already have three obvious transfer issues to solve and they might already have three potential solutions.

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