In the ever-evolving landscape of football, where success is fleeting and loyalties are often transient, one constant remains: the magnetic pull of Manchester United. Despite a decade of underachievement and a current 13th-place standing in the Premier League, the Red Devils continue to captivate players and fans alike. This enduring appeal was recently underscored by an unlikely source Bologna defender Sam Beukema, a player linked with Liverpool, who openly admitted to regularly watching United matches.
For a club that has spent much of the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era in the shadows of its rivals, Beukema’s revelation is a reminder of the power of the United brand. Under Ruben Amorim, the club is slowly rebuilding its identity, and while the glory days may feel distant, the allure of Old Trafford remains as potent as ever.
Sam Beukema: A Liverpool Target with a Red Devil’s Heart?
Beukema, a 26-year-old Dutch centre-back, has been a standout performer for Bologna since his £10m move from AZ Alkmaar in 2023. His composure on the ball, aerial dominance, and leadership qualities have made him a key figure in Thiago Motta’s side, earning him links to Liverpool, where former Feyenoord boss Arne Slot is reportedly keen to reunite with him.
However, in a recent interview with Gazetta dello Sport, Beukema dropped a bombshell that will delight United fans and irk Liverpool supporters in equal measure. “I always watch Manchester United,” he confessed, before adding: “Josh [Zirkzee] and I are always in touch, even this morning. We don’t just talk about football, but about life.”
The admission is a testament to United’s global reach and the emotional connection it fosters, even among players who have no direct ties to the club. For Beukema, whose former teammate Joshua Zirkzee now plies his trade at Old Trafford, United’s matches are must-watch viewing a habit that speaks volumes about the club’s enduring appeal.
Joshua Zirkzee: A Work in Progress
Beukema’s comments also shed light on Zirkzee’s adaptation to life at United. The Dutch striker, signed for £36.5m last summer, has endured a mixed debut season, scoring just five goals and providing two assists in 36 appearances. While his link-up play and technical ability have drawn praise, his lack of ruthlessness in front of goal has frustrated fans.
Yet, there are signs of improvement. Zirkzee’s recent contributions a winning penalty against Arsenal in the FA Cup and a crucial equaliser against Leicester City have offered glimpses of his potential. As Beukema noted, the bond between the two players remains strong, with the Bologna defender offering support and encouragement as Zirkzee navigates the pressures of playing for one of the world’s biggest clubs.
“We have a chat with him and Ndoye and others, there’s a really strong friendship between all of us,” Beukema revealed. “There was a chemistry between us, which still exists today, huge, unique.”
The Amorim Effect: Rebuilding United’s Identity
Since replacing Erik ten Hag in November, Ruben Amorim has sought to instil a new identity at United. The Portuguese coach’s emphasis on high-intensity football and tactical flexibility has won plaudits, even if results have been inconsistent. His January signings Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven reflect a commitment to youth and long-term planning, while links to former players like Viktor Gyökeres and Geovany Quenda suggest a desire to build a squad tailored to his philosophy.
Amorim’s task is daunting, but the club’s global appeal remains a powerful tool in his arsenal. As Beukema’s comments demonstrate, United’s matches are still a spectacle, watched by millions including players who dream of one day gracing the Old Trafford pitch.
The Bigger Picture: United’s Enduring Legacy
Beukema’s admission is more than just a quirky anecdote; it’s a reminder of what sets United apart. While rivals like Liverpool and Manchester City have enjoyed greater on-field success in recent years, neither can match the Red Devils’ cultural impact. From the Busby Babes to the Class of ’92, United’s history is woven into the fabric of football, a legacy that transcends trophies and league positions.
For players like Beukema, who grew up watching United dominate under Ferguson, the club represents something intangible—a symbol of ambition, tradition, and global reach. Even as they pursue careers elsewhere, the allure of Old Trafford remains impossible to ignore.
Conclusion: A Club Like No Other
Manchester United’s current struggles may have dimmed their star, but they haven’t extinguished it. As Sam Beukema’s candid comments show, the Red Devils remain a source of fascination for players and fans around the world. For Ruben Amorim and INEOS, the challenge is to harness this enduring appeal and translate it into on-field success.
In the meantime, United’s matches will continue to captivate audiences even those who, like Beukema, are linked to their fiercest rivals. After all, as the old adage goes: love them or hate them, you can’t ignore Manchester United.
Quotes sourced from Sam Beukema’s interview with Gazetta dello Sport. Statistics via Transfermarkt.
