Manchester United’s struggles this season have reignited debates about the club’s recent transfer decisions, and who better to weigh in than club legend Peter Schmeichel.
Speaking candidly, the Danish goalkeeper didn’t hold back as he critiqued moves he feels have unsettled the Red Devils under Ruben Amorim.
Struggles Continue Under Amorim
Currently sitting 10th in the Premier League, Manchester United have managed just six wins in the top flight since January.
Following a disappointing 15th-place finish last season, Amorim sought to overhaul the squad during the summer transfer window.
Big-money signings like Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko—who joined from RB Leipzig for £74million—were brought in to bolster the ranks.
At the same time, several high-profile players were loaned out, including Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Andre Onana, and Rasmus Hojlund.
Among them, Hojlund has adapted most impressively, flourishing at Napoli after two challenging seasons at Old Trafford.
Hojlund Shines in Italy
Hojlund has made an immediate impact in Serie A, scoring twice in four appearances for Antonio Conte’s side and adding two more in the Champions League.
“You only have to see what he’s doing at Napoli with Kevin de Bruyne and Scott McTominay to play with—he’s scoring goals,” Schmeichel said on BBC’s Sacked in the Morning podcast.
The former United keeper believes Hojlund could easily be a 25-goal-a-season striker if he had the right support at Manchester United.
He questioned the logic of selling the Dane while simultaneously investing heavily in Sesko, noting that United lacked adequate midfield service and other key positions.
Questionable Spending and Recruitment Decisions
Schmeichel was particularly critical of the £70m-plus spent on Sesko, calling the move “a little bit weird” given the club’s other gaps in the squad.
He suggested that the recruitment strategy, led by Christopher Vivell from Leipzig, might have been driven by personal agendas rather than the team’s immediate needs.
“With Vivell, Amorim, former sporting director Dan Ashworth, and Jason Wilcox, there are different people with different agendas,” he explained. “That can be destabilising.”
McTominay’s Departure a Missed Opportunity
While Hojlund’s resurgence has grabbed attention, Schmeichel also highlighted Scott McTominay’s exit as a major misstep.
The Scotland international moved to Napoli in 2024-25 after failing to secure a consistent role under Erik ten Hag. McTominay quickly proved his worth, scoring 13 goals and assisting six more in his debut season, helping Napoli clinch the Scudetto and earning MVP honours.
“It’s a huge disappointment he was let go, particularly because he was so Manchester United,” Schmeichel said.
He added that McTominay’s versatility may have worked against him, as managers often prefer players who excel in a single position.
United’s Young Stars Excel Abroad
Schmeichel noted that both Hojlund and McTominay remain connected to their Old Trafford roots, yet they are thriving in Italy.
“I don’t get why those two are at Napoli,” he said, praising Hojlund for his dedication and humility.
Both players continue to impress, helping Napoli sit atop Serie A heading into the international break.