Ruben Amorim’s brief tenure as Manchester United manager has been a challenging one. The team is currently facing one of its worse seasons in recent memory on the field. Following the departure of Ole Gunnar Solskjær, Amorim almost immediately became the new manager. Unfortunately, he’s earned for himself the mantle of the most disastrous record of any successor to legendary Sir Alex Ferguson. His side’s lackluster displays have earned derision and mockery and left many Roos fans wondering just where the Tweed Heads native is taking the club.
In his time at Old Trafford, Manchester United could only manage a paltry 45 points from 38 Premier League games. This lackluster performance leaves them 14th out of the 17 teams who have been in the league from its inception. The team had obvious issues a year ago. They ended the season in 15th place, narrowly avoiding relegation and then suffering the heartache of losing a Europa League final to Tottenham. Amorim has time and again deemed his squad as “possibly the worst team in the history” of Manchester United. This comment underscores how toxic the atmosphere has gotten around the club.
Still, even with these disappointments, Amorim is hopeful about his squad’s prospects and feels progress is evident. He wants the present season to be a time in which the franchise has a more competitive team. He emphasized the need to get better at all facets of their game.
Disappointing Beginnings
So far, Amorim’s first season at Manchester United can only be characterized as a disaster. The team’s lack of consistent performance had fans and analysts wondering if he was the best choice for the position. Finishing 15th in the Premier League was a significant blow to a club with such a storied history and high expectations.
One lowlight moment for Amorim would have been their 5-0 rout against Grimsby at the end of August. This compounded the pressure he was under as he tried to find a way of digging the club out of its misfortunes. The manager quickly identified that on key performance metrics, his team were bottom of the league last year. They failed in both distance run and number of sprints, exposing a lack of intensity on the field.
Despite Amorim’s tactical prowess being well-storied, his approach has been called into question. Having been burned by those early criticisms for his 3-4-2-1 formation, he’s learned to defend himself and his approach. He contended that it’s not the main culprit for the team’s struggles.
“When we win it’s not the system; when we lose it’s the system.” – Ruben Amorim
Amorim wanted to bring a little cheer into the room. He pointed out a five game Premier League unbeaten stretch that offered flickers of optimism amid a mostly dreadful season. The third-to-last inning success was enough to excite a fan base that lost all hope during an 81-81 season. They are furiously dreaming of a glorious past.
Ongoing Challenges and Criticism
Amorim’s troubles have not missed the eyes of fans or club brass. Following a tough home loss to Fulham just before Christmas, Amorim brilliantly laid bare his side’s most recent issues. That assessment was spot on, especially without star player Marcus Rashford not in the matchday squad.
“If the board and the fans feel I’m not the right guy, I will go in the next day. But I will not quit again. I am confident in my job.” – Ruben Amorim
These words showcase how Amorim refuses to be beaten by the forces pressing down on him. He understands that with the territory as Manchester United manager comes criticism. Even so, he is adamant in his conviction that he can lead this team and all of New York to better days.
The manager has on several occasions made his frustration known at what he sees as inconsistency in players’ level of commitment. During a recent interview, he stated that he would prioritize players who give their all every day over those who do not meet expectations.
“I would put [Jorge] Vital [on] before a player who doesn’t give the maximum every day.” – Ruben Amorim
The players’ commitment is absolutely necessary if they ever want to rise up the league table. Amorim stressed that victory comes when one works tirelessly and remains committed.
“If we want to win the Premier League we have to run like mad dogs. If not, we are not going to.” – Ruben Amorim
Signs of Improvement
However difficult Amorim’s introduction to European football has been, there’s much promise in the way they’ve started this season. His appointment at Ipswich on November 24 th, 2024, began a golden age for Manchester United. Within two minutes of their initial meeting, Rashford put the hosts on the board with a beautiful goal. Though they were tied 1-1 with Ipswich, this play was indicative of an upturn to come.
Amorim is optimistic that as the season wears on, his team will develop into a more clearly superior and aggressive team on the pitch. He does expect a team that will display more discipline and play a more aesthetically pleasing brand of soccer as they progress.
“Of course, I expect a team with more control, more dominant, playing better football and, the most important thing, more competitive in every way.” – Ruben Amorim
It’s now six losses from seven, a Manchester United side in the depths of a crisis. Amorim, though, is determined to shape a more resilient, competitive team capable of challenging for top honors once more.
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