Ruben Amorim’s short tenure as manager of Manchester United hasn’t been going too well. His time has been marked by dismal performances and a shocking legacy. A year into his appointment, Amorim’s leadership has already faced a gauntlet in the Premier League. Despite this, the club finished 15th last season and only picked up 45 points over 38 games. His lamentable tenure is inarguably the very worst from any successor to the club’s greatest-ever manager, Sir Alex Ferguson. Over his long stewardship, his points total is 14th of 17 teams never relegated.
Although these disappointments marred their 2023 campaign, Amorim’s outlook on his squad’s future fortunes is incredibly bright. He does not want to see just any group succeed. His long-term ambition is to reverse some of the club’s misfortunes. The road ahead looks tough, considering the flack he’s getting over his tactical approach and the team’s performance as a whole.
A Rocky Start
As said by Amorim himself during his first season, it was a “disaster”. The ragged state of the team extended beyond domestic league play, as the team ran into the same issues during their European campaign that season. Their disappointing season came to an embarrassing high when they succumbed 3-0 to Tottenham in the Europa League final. This defeat only compounded the difficulties they were facing on the continental stage.
Adding to his woes, the manager experienced one of his most embarrassing moments with a shocking Carabao Cup loss to Grimsby in August. The scale of this defeat exposed the fragility of a team that had once been the perceived untouchables of English football.
“In 10 games in the Premier League, we won two. We are being the worst team maybe in the history of Manchester United.” – Ruben Amorim
Continued focus on a 3-4-2-1 formation was questioned as results started to sour. Critics pointed out the fact that his team finished 14th in distance run and total sprints last year. They think that this public ranking is indicative of inadequate intensity and effort while on the pitch. The failure to challenge at championship level regularly enough cast doubt on Amorim’s dream job credentials.
Moments of Hope
Through the obstacles, Amorim did find flashes of success that provided foresight into what could be. His team achieved a notable late victory against Manchester City, which provided some reprieve from a season filled with hardships.
In his first match of this season, a 4-2 win at Ipswich, United jumped on the Gas right away. When Marcus Rashford scored within two minutes of kick-off, it looked like the transformation had begun. That enthusiasm was short-lived as they ultimately drew 1-1, leaving fans questioning whether the team could sustain any momentum moving forward.
“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
Despite facing brutal defeats and an uphill battle for improvement, Amorim expressed determination to build a more cohesive unit. He underscored his desire to create a winning mentality and work ethic within his players.
Commitment to Improvement
In all, as Amorim looks back on his time at Manchester United, he provides some refreshingly honest answers about his time there. His words evoke the thrilling peaks and frustrating valleys of presiding over one of football’s most prestigious institutions. Yet through it all, he has not shied away from admitting his misfortunes while still trusting in his approach.
“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. As you see, I will not change anything in the way I do things.” – Ruben Amorim
His penchant for testing players’ physicality, perhaps most famously referenced in his approach to preparation of league matches, has led many to question his methods. He has been very passionate about the idea that if they want to be in contention for the best awards, they need to have work horse mentality.
“If we want to win the Premier League we have to run like mad dogs. If not, we are not going to.” – Ruben Amorim
Amorim’s path has been turbulent. He’s very candid about that tension between loving and hating his players. Beyond alliteration, his words show a deep appreciation that leading a team is about riding the rollercoaster of emotions.
“Sometimes I want to quit, sometimes I want to be here for 20 years… Sometimes I hate my players, sometimes I love my players – this is my way of doing things.” – Ruben Amorim
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