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A window that 'all but condemns Amorim to nightmare first season'

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[BBC]
 Ruben Amorim speaks to Marcus Rashford
[Getty Images]

Manchester United are enduring one of the worst seasons in the club's long history. Yet, Ruben Amorim's squad is arguably weaker than it was at the start of the January transfer window.

Patrick Dorgu arrived from Lecce. Ayden Heaven joined Chido Obi-Martin in switching sides from Arsenal. And Paraguayan teenager Diego Leon signed a pre-contract agreement.

United's financial limitations have been well-documented, as has the new-look hierarchy's focus on the summer after splashing about £200m for Erik ten Hag last year.

But the decision to loan Marcus Rashford to Aston Villa without recruiting a replacement has all but condemned Amorim to a nightmare first season at the helm.

United tried by targeting Bayern Munich's Mathys Tel. However, the demand for a £5m loan fee collapsed negotiations.

A level-headed fan would understand that Ineos are attempting to drift away from the old regime's reckless, panicked transfer strategy that has focused on short-term fixes.

However, at the same time, the firestorm of frustration at the news Tel was Tottenham-bound on deadline day was understandable.

Only Everton and the bottom three have scored fewer Premier League goals than United this season. Rashford's measly tally of four is still higher than both Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee.

And regardless of his recent fortunes, the 27-year-old notched up 201 goal contributions across his Old Trafford career.

United's forwards now have 35 career Premier League goals between them. You would back Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland to have a good go at matching that this season.

An easy fix would be for the club's £108m striking duo to start scoring goals. But that currently feels less likely than United escaping the depths of the bottom half.

With three competitions left to play for, Amorim's goal woes look set to continue.

Find more from Alex Turk at Stretford Paddock