Amorim’s Struggles at Manchester United: A Season of Discontent

omidbasir- Before the Manchester derby on September 14, 2025, manager Ruben Amorim was questioned about the comparative difficulties he and Pep Guardiola were facing, especially given that Manchester United was above Manchester City in the league standings after three matches in the new season.

“To compare my situation with Pep’s is simply absurd,” Amorim stated. “We have more pressing issues.” His assessment proved accurate; United’s shortcomings were glaringly evident during a 3-0 defeat to a team that had previously lost its last two league matches.

United’s attacking efforts were lackluster, managing only two shots on target from a total of twelve, while their defense remained vulnerable, inviting further scrutiny of Amorim’s favored tactical formation.

“When Ruben Amorim first took charge, I was encouraged by the implementation of a three-at-the-back system,” remarked former United right-back Gary Neville on Sky Sports. “However, he changes the back three every game, which indicates uncertainty about the best combination.”

United’s performance was deemed inadequate. Sitting 14th in the league after only four games, the manager’s position was already under scrutiny. Observers warned that if the team remained in such a position by October, Amorim could face serious repercussions.

As the previous season drew to a close, it became evident that Amorim was primarily focused on the Europa League, which represented United’s sole chance for Champions League qualification. Nevertheless, the alarming nature of their league performances, particularly a 4-1 defeat to Newcastle on April 13, raised concerns.

Despite benching Andre Onana, United delivered another dismal defensive display at St. James Park, cementing the likelihood of a record low Premier League points total for the club. Alarmingly, Amorim could not articulate the reasons behind the frequent mistakes made by his players.

“It’s a bit of everything,” he remarked. “While I understand the criticism, I don’t concern myself with it. Losing is the worst outcome. The league table speaks for itself.”

Despite the disheartening league form, the FA Cup appeared to be a feasible target for United, especially after a surprising third-round elimination of Arsenal at the Emirates, followed by a 2-1 win against Leicester City.

However, the team was ultimately eliminated from the competition at Old Trafford, succumbing to Fulham in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw. This defeat marked Amorim’s tenth loss in 24 matches—a staggering statistic compared to his predecessor, Erik ten Hag, who did not reach that number until his 55th match.

Nonetheless, Amorim expressed confidence in his ability to master the role, stating, “Our goal is to reclaim the Premier League title. I know we are losing games, but we will keep pushing forward, regardless of the timeline. We are beginning to understand the league and our players better.”

Bryan Mbeumo faced a challenging return to the Gtech Community Stadium in September, as United fell 3-1 to his former team. Although home fans mocked the Cameroon international for his transfer to Old Trafford, it was Amorim who bore the brunt of the blame for United’s failure to secure an eighth consecutive league game on the road.

Match of the Day pundit Micah Richards criticized the manager, attributing the team’s confusion and errors to Amorim’s tactical choices. “The system is hindering the players,” he asserted. “They lack clarity in their roles.”

After a dramatic derby victory at the Etihad on December 15, 2024, which was celebrated as a significant win for Amorim early in his tenure, United’s fortunes quickly deteriorated. They suffered three consecutive defeats against Bournemouth, Wolves, and Newcastle without scoring a single goal.

As a result, only bottom-placed Southampton had experienced more losses since Amorim’s appointment on November 24, positioning United at 14th in the standings—their lowest since 1989 at the year’s start.

Surprisingly, Amorim suggested that relegation was a “possibility” for one of the wealthiest clubs in the world. “I take responsibility for the team’s stagnation. It’s somewhat embarrassing to be the manager of Manchester United during such a downturn. People are tired of excuses; this club needs a wake-up call.”

Entering 2025, United displayed some resilience, securing a 2-2 draw against Liverpool and a 3-1 victory over Southampton, thanks to Amad Diallo’s notable performance. However, disillusionment returned following a 3-1 home defeat to Brighton, leading Amorim to express concerns about his team’s historical performance.

“In the last ten Premier League games, we’ve only won two. Imagine how that feels for a Manchester United supporter and for me as well. We have a new coach losing more matches than the last one, and I am fully aware of that.”

Despite a brief resurgence in October with three consecutive Premier League victories, November brought back-to-back 2-2 draws that revealed persistent defensive vulnerabilities. The situation worsened with a 1-0 home defeat to Everton, despite facing ten men for over 77 minutes.

Amorim suggested that the incident illustrated a lack of passion and commitment within his team. “Fighting is not inherently negative. It shows commitment to prevent goals, and I hope my players exhibit that spirit.”

Reflecting on his tenure, Amorim expressed fear of reverting to the negative feelings of the past season, emphasizing the need for collective improvement. He acknowledged that the players needed to perform better together.

A hard-fought Boxing Day victory over Newcastle momentarily lifted spirits at Old Trafford. However, on December 30, United was held to a draw by Wolves, who had arrived on a significant losing streak, reinforcing concerns about United’s lack of cohesion and creativity.

Amorim remained optimistic, stating they would become a stronger team once back to full strength, just days before his dismissal. Despite a thrilling Europa League run culminating in a dramatic 5-4 victory against Lyon, his time at United was defined by a notorious loss to Tottenham, where United dominated but ultimately succumbed to a single shot on target.

Despite failing to capitalize on opportunities for Champions League qualification, Amorim insisted he was still the right person for the job, demonstrating his commitment. “I understand that fan patience will be short, but I assure you I will not resign. I am more confident than ever that I am the right choice.”

Unfortunately, any expectations for improvement following substantial reinforcements in the summer were swiftly dashed by a humiliating Carabao Cup second-round exit to Grimsby Town. Despite his attempts to rally the team, Amorim’s frustration was palpable as he admitted that significant changes were necessary.

Regrettably, Amorim appeared out of his depth, struggling to manage the pressure of the situation, culminating in a moment that emblemized his tenure: a frantic attempt to recalibrate his tactics during a disastrous match against lower-league opposition.