Ruben Amorim transfer demand issued as doubts about three Man Utd starters emerge

Jaap Stam has urged Manchester United to bolster three positions on top of the club's priority of signing a new striker this summer if they want to improve. The Red Devils icon has raised doubts about whether a trifecta of regular starters suits Ruben Amorim's 3-4-3 system ahead of a busy transfer window at Old Trafford.

Amorim will understand he can't afford the trend of results he has suffered since becoming head coach in November to continue next season. He inherited an already underperforming squad from Erik ten Hag and has struggled to harvest the diamonds he needs from his players. The Portuguese boss is expected to shake up his ranks before his first full campaign at the helm, and Stam believes he must target three areas.

He has concerns over Diogo Dalot's crossing ability as well as Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte's athleticism, naming right-wing-back, central midfield and attacking positions as crucial areas to address.

"When you look at his system, assuming Amorim continues with it next season, you need two quality number tens or two wingers playing inside-it depends on how you define it," Stam told Express Sport with FreeBets.

"Right now, Garnacho, Bruno, and sometimes Zirkzee are being used in those roles, but there's still some uncertainty about the setup.

"These positions are crucial because you need players who can create for a striker, who are comfortable on the ball, and who can also create opportunities for themselves.

"The wing-back positions are equally important. Dalot can play there, but I don't think he delivers enough crosses for the frontman to capitalise on.

"The new guy, Dorgu, looks promising but still needs time to adapt to the Premier League and the quality of the opposition.

"Then you have the two holding midfield players are very important as well. Casemiro is playing there now, and Ugarte, too; both are quite static at times.

"These players need to be comfortable on the ball, able to receive from the centre-backs, drive forward, and cover a lot of ground.

"They need the legs to go up and down the pitch because they often find themselves having to defend large spaces.

"Right now, it seems like Amorim is still figuring out how he wants to structure those positions within his system."

United have identified Matheus Cunha and Liam Delap as their top attacking targets, but the headline names on their midfield and wing-back shortlists remain to be seen.

Any further incomings beyond Cunha and Delap would likely rely on player sales, with a number of first-team stars set to depart.