Ruben Amorim’s Tenure at Manchester United
Ruben Amorim, the current manager of Manchester United, finds himself under increasing scrutiny as the club languishes in 14th position in the Premier League after just six matches. Despite retaining the backing of the board for now, his leadership has faced a barrage of criticism due to the team’s erratic performances. United has remarkably failed to secure back-to-back victories in any competition under Amorim’s management, and they’ve spent only a brief two gameweeks within the upper half of the league table since he took over in November 2024.
Performance and Criticism
The recent 3-1 loss to Brentford marked Amorim’s 17th defeat out of 33 matches in charge, yielding just 34 points and establishing a stark win rate of 27.3%. This figure is notably lower than any previous Manchester United manager’s performance during the Premier League era, with David Moyes’ 50% win rate standing as a stark contrast. The imagery of Amorim, often seen in apparent despair, with his head in his hands on the sidelines has become emblematic of his challenging tenure, reflecting a team that has not improved compared to last season.
Job Security and Challenges
Initially brought in after the swift exit of Erik ten Hag, Amorim’s responses to questions about his job security have varied from defiant commitment to seemingly pleading for his dismissal. In a candid moment, he acknowledged the uphill battle ahead during his first game in charge, a 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town, stating,
“We will try to win games but this will take time. I know it is frustrating for the fans, but we are changing so much right now.”
Throughout the season, Amorim has had to grapple with the reality of managing a club of this stature while admitting that United is not currently a formidable team. His rhetoric often reveals his troubling awareness of the pressures surrounding him, especially after a loss to Nottingham Forest resulted in fans departing the stands in disappointment. In the wake of consecutive losses, including a significant 2-0 defeat to Newcastle that left the squad precariously close to the relegation zone, Amorim has not shied away from taking responsibility for the underwhelming performances.
“It is my fault. The team is not improving. We’re a little bit lost right now, and it’s somewhat embarrassing to be the coach of Manchester United and be losing so many games,”
he reflected, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Looking Ahead
As the season progressed, Amorim’s team continued to struggle. Not only did they finish the first half of the season with a concerning tally of only 11 points from 11 games, but they also suffered a disheartening defeat against Brighton in which he underscored the frustrations of supporters who have witnessed their club’s decline.
Acknowledging the urgency of the situation, Amorim commented,
“In Manchester United, you don’t have time. We have to get it right fast. The pressure is intense at times.”
Despite these challenges, he stated a willingness to resign without compensation if deemed necessary, highlighting his commitment to the club above his position. Nonetheless, he remains steadfast in his methods, insisting,
“Not even the Pope could make me change my formation,”
demonstrating his determination to see his tactical approach through.
As Amorim navigates a turbulent season, fans are left anticipating whether he can steer the club back to more favorable waters, or if the mounting pressure will lead to his exit from a job that is becoming increasingly untenable.
