Can Man United Rise Again? Amad's Top 5 Dream and the Red Devils' Reality Check

From Rock Bottom to Redemption

Picture this: One of football's most decorated clubs finishing 15th in the Premier League. Not in some alternate universe, but right here in 2024-25. Manchester United endured their worst league campaign since 1974, the year they were relegated. The Red Devils scored just 44 goals in 38 matches and missed out on European football entirely. Manager Erik ten Hag was sacked, Ruben Amorim arrived from Sporting CP with grand promises, but the bleeding didn't stop. Fast forward to October 2025, and United are sitting 10th with three wins from eight games. Not great, but definitely better than last season's nightmare. Now comes the big question everyone's asking: Can United actually finish in the top 5 this season? According to Amad Diallo, one of the few bright spots in last year's darkness, that would count as a successful campaign. After United's 2-0 friendly victory over Leeds, Diallo told The Athletic that finishing top 5 would be deserved and that fans need patience with the new manager, new players, and new tactics. The Ivorian winger has been Amorim's crown prince, his most trusted attacker in a transitional period.

Amorim's Three-Year Plan

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, whose INEOS company owns nearly 29% of United and controls football operations, has publicly committed to giving Amorim three full years to prove himself. That's music to the ears of fans tired of the revolving door at Old Trafford. Ratcliffe appeared on The Times' podcast in early October, saying Amorim is a good guy but needs to demonstrate he's a great coach over three years. The Glazer family still holds majority ownership, but Ratcliffe's statement carries weight as INEOS oversees all sporting decisions. Amorim has won just 19 of his 50 matches since taking charge in November 2024, a record that would have most managers sweating. But the commitment to a long-term vision is exactly what United have lacked in recent years. The Portuguese manager has been brutally honest about United's struggles, even mentioning relegation as a possibility earlier this season. After the Sunderland win on October 4, he emphasized that the team loses everything they work on in training once they concede because there's no foundation built yet. Mason Mount echoed this sentiment, saying the victory provided massive morale going into the international break.

Big Money, Big Expectations

United didn't sit idle after last season's disaster. The club spent approximately €250 million in the summer transfer window, bringing in some serious firepower. Matheus Cunha arrived from Wolves as the first signing, followed by Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford. But the real statement signing came in early August when RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko joined on a five-year deal. The 22-year-old Slovenian has already bagged two goals in his first matches, including a strike against Sunderland. Diego Leon arrived from Cerro Porteno, while goalkeeper Senne Lammens joined from Royal Antwerp just before the window closed. These additions signal United's intention to compete, even without European football draining resources. On the flip side, United cleared out deadwood. Christian Eriksen, Jonny Evans, and Victor Lindelof departed at the end of their contracts. Marcus Rashford moved to Barcelona, Alejandro Garnacho was placed on the transfer list, and Rasmus Hojlund joined Napoli after initially wanting to fight for his place. The squad overhaul has been dramatic, which explains why chemistry and understanding are still works in progress.

The Fan Perspective

Community reaction to Diallo's top 5 ambition has been mixed. On Korean football forums like Namu Wiki and Daum, fans expressed cautious optimism but also reality checks. One popular post noted that going from 15th to 4th is too massive a leap, echoing Gary Neville's optimistic prediction while acknowledging Jamie Carragher's skepticism. OPTA analytics also rate United's revival chances as low based on statistical models. After United's 2-0 win over Sunderland in early October, fan reactions on YouTube and social media showed relief more than celebration. Comments ranged from finally, some character shown to Amad is the only reason we still watch. The win came at a crucial time before the international break, with Liverpool at Anfield next on the schedule. Diallo himself has become a fan favorite not just for his on-pitch heroics like the Manchester City winner in December 2024 and equalizer at Liverpool but for his genuine connection with supporters. After his hat-trick in the Europa League last season, he reportedly refused to leave for media interviews until he'd personally thanked every fan section at Old Trafford. That kind of attitude resonates deeply with a fanbase starved of genuine commitment. His new five-and-a-half-year contract signed in January 2025 keeping him until 2030 shows United finally locked down one of their emerging stars before bigger clubs came calling.