Manchester United’s Managerial Changes
A little over a year has passed since Manchester United made the unexpected decision to part ways with manager Erik ten Hag, following a disappointing run that left them trailing in the league standings. Just months after a lengthy evaluation process that had reaffirmed Ten Hag’s position at the club, United found themselves stumbling again after a 2-1 defeat to West Ham on a dismal October night. Reports indicated that the club’s leadership quickly lost confidence in Ten Hag’s ability to reverse the downward spiral that had seen the team secure only 11 points from their first nine matches, raising alarms about their prospects for qualifying for the Champions League in the coming season.
Performance Under Ruben Amorim
The previous season had ended with United finishing a lowly eighth and starting the following season in 14th place. This led to the appointment of Ruben Amorim, under whose guidance the team ultimately ended up 15th by the season’s end. However, their performance did not show improvement; they averaged just 1.0 points per match with a goal differential of -0.4, a decline from the modest 1.2 points under Ten Hag.
Amorim made an initial impact, steering the team through a five-match unbeaten streak across all competitions that sparked hopes of revival until they fell to Everton, losing 1-0 despite the latter playing with ten men for most of the match. Currently, through twelve league games, the club finds itself in a four-way tie for 10th place, prompting reflection on whether they are indeed better off compared to this time last year.
Tactical Philosophy and Team Dynamics
In the tactical realm, Amorim has been consistent in employing formations such as 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1 throughout his tenure, with his tactical philosophy remaining firm even during times of struggle. He emphasized,
“I won’t change my philosophy,”
signaling that a shift in mindset would require a change of personnel rather than a change in approach. While defensive formations have not shifted much, a notable difference this season is the increase in the speed of play. Last year, under his management, United’s ball movement was infamously slow, averaging just 0.98 meters per second—only ahead of Manchester City in this sluggish trait—resulting in an ineffective possession strategy largely spent in their own half.
In stark contrast, this season, United has embraced a more energetic strategy. Though territorial control is comparable to last year, the tempo has risen sharply, impacting results positively. Statistically, they are currently averaging 0.5 more points per match than they did last season, suggesting potential for a much improved season. As for goal differentials, they have shifted from a negative -0.16 last year to a positive +0.20 after the first twelve matches this season, now ranking 7th in the league.
Offensive Improvements and Squad Changes
On the offensive end, goals per game have increased from 1.29 to 1.67, while the defensive capabilities have remained consistent, with goals conceded slightly rising but within an acceptable threshold given the heightened attacking focus. Amorim’s willingness to take risks has reaped rewards in attack while slightly exposing the backline.
One significant aspect distinguishing this season from the last is the influx of new attacking talent. New forwards such as Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko have contributed substantially, which has led to noticeable improvements in attacking dynamics. It is evident that United’s resurgence in form is correlated with the alterations in their squad. Moreover, strategic adaptations seen in their approach to goal kicks reveal a more direct game plan this season compared to last.
Looking Ahead
Despite a challenging start, there have been fortunate circumstances that have worked in United’s favor, including situations where they played against teams with a man down. Even so, with no penalties conceded yet this season, the statistical advantages they have enjoyed are noteworthy but difficult to sustain throughout the campaign.
Looking forward, the pressing question for United and Amorim is whether this trend of gradual improvement can continue. Although there have been marked gains from their previous disastrous spell under Amorim, the underlying metrics suggest that they are not yet back to challenging for top honors, embodying a state of mediocrity rather than genuine competitiveness. The average age of the squad has risen, with veteran players taking on key roles, indicating a win-now approach that contradicts the growth potential seen in younger squads.
As they face formidable opponents in the upcoming months, including a critical sequence of games against top clubs, there is hope that they can build momentum. Amorim deserves some recognition for steering the club away from crisis mode, bringing stability to a team that once seemed in chaos. What remains clear is that Manchester United, under Amorim’s guidance, have transformed into an average side—not quite at their former glories nor plunging into despair, but instead navigating the uncertain waters of mediocrity.
