There’s a lot wrong with that. Garnacho has zero end product, Mainoo has been poor this season and is no longer deserving of that starting spot based on what he’s produced, Martinez constantly injured. So that’s 3 players who haven’t shown they’re good enough or fit enough to be part of a top 4 squad. On top of the 3 players you believe we need. That’s now 6 slots that I believe need therefore. I also have my doubts about Mazraoui at RB. He offers nothing going forward, so he’d have to be in to strictly defend. Every team in the top 4 has a RB that can contribute to attacking phases. So that’s potentially 7/11 positions that I’m not convinced are top 4 quality right now.
While I get the frustration, I think there's a bit of an overreaction here. Yes, Mainoo and Garnacho haven’t hit the heights many of us hoped for this season, but let’s not forget — they’re still incredibly young, and this will be another full season of top-flight experience under their belts. Both have shown flashes of genuine quality, and with proper development under a top-class manager, I believe they could be key players in a top four side.
Garnacho, for instance, is clearly at his best as a winger — that's been evident under Ten Hag. His ability to beat players, stretch defences, and inject urgency into our attacks is a valuable asset, even if the end product is still maturing. Mainoo, meanwhile, is far better suited to a three-man midfield than being forced into a double pivot. He’s got the intelligence and calmness on the ball, but needs the right structure around him to thrive.
Martinez’s injury issues are a concern, no doubt — but let’s not act like we’re short of options. Between Yoro and Heaven, and even De Ligt, we’re not stacked, but in my opinion, we’ve got enough there for a top four challenge, especially if everyone stays reasonably fit.
As for Mazraoui, he’s a balanced right-back. He’s not Trent but he does his job. Is he really any worse going forward than someone like Ben White or Timber? It’s about the system — if the rest of the team is functioning well, he doesn’t need to be a creative hub. And if more progression is needed from that side, we’ve got Dalot, who is probably a better attacking option anyway.
Top four is absolutely achievable with the right tactical setup and a manager who knows how to get the best out of this group. It’s not a perfect squad, but it’s not seven players short of contention either.
A top keeper, midfielder and striker would make so much of a difference.
That said, it doesn’t look like Amorim is going anywhere anytime soon. All signs point toward the club backing him significantly, with reports suggesting he’ll be given a transfer budget of around £100 million, plus any funds generated from player sales. That kind of backing signals trust — and a serious intent to reshape the squad in his image.
If we look at his track record, Amorim isn’t afraid to be bold. In his first full season at Sporting CP, he oversaw a major overhaul, clearing out a number of senior players and bringing in at least 10 new signings to build a team that fit his philosophy.
It wouldn’t be a surprise to see a similar approach here. The squad clearly needs refinement, and if Amorim is to succeed, recruitment will have to be spot on. Every signing must fit the tactical framework, not just fill gaps. His system demands intelligence, versatility, and high work-rate — traits that can’t be compromised on.
