Manchester United's turbulent form continues, raising questions about the direction of the club under Ruben Amorim. Despite the initial optimism surrounding his appointment in November 2024, the team's inconsistency and lack of tangible progress have left fans and pundits alike scratching their heads. The most recent setback, a 3-1 defeat to Brentford, exemplifies the issues plaguing the Red Devils.
One of the most glaring problems is the team's inability to maintain a consistent level of performance. Amorim himself has admitted his frustration, confessing that he often doesn't know what to expect from his side each week. This uncertainty has translated to the pitch, where United have struggled to string together consecutive wins. In fact, Amorim is yet to win back-to-back Premier League games since taking charge.
The defensive frailties that have plagued United for years persist. Despite the additions of expensive defenders like Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro, the team continues to concede goals. The ease with which Brentford exploited United's backline, particularly Harry Maguire, in their recent encounter has only amplified concerns. Amorim's preferred 3-4-3 formation, while intended to provide defensive solidity, has often been exposed, leaving the team vulnerable to attacks.
Offensively, United have also struggled to find consistency. While there have been glimpses of promise, the team has lacked a cutting edge in the final third. The forward line, consisting of Bryan Mbuemo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko, has failed to fire on all cylinders, with goals proving hard to come by. Despite boasting a squad value of €723 million and spending €236 million on new signings in the summer, United's attacking output has been underwhelming.
Adding to Amorim's woes is the team's poor away form. The defeat to Brentford extended United's winless run on the road to eight Premier League games, a dismal record that highlights the team's struggles away from Old Trafford. This inability to pick up points on their travels has further compounded the pressure on Amorim.
Despite these challenges, the Manchester United hierarchy has, so far, remained committed to Amorim. However, with each disappointing result, the pressure mounts, and questions about his suitability for the job grow louder. Several factors could be contributing to the club's reluctance to make a change. The United chief executive may be unwilling to admit that his decision to hire Amorim was a mistake. Sacking another manager after less than a year could be seen as a sign of instability, further damaging the club's reputation.
Amorim's coaching style emphasizes a possession-based game with a disciplined build-up strategy. He likes his teams to attack with five players, while keeping five players behind the ball. Out of possession, his teams shift into a 4-4-2 or a 5-4-1 formation. At Sporting CP, Amorim developed a reputation for developing young talent and creating a good atmosphere within the team. Whether he can replicate that success at Manchester United remains to be seen.
Ultimately, the decision to stick with Amorim will depend on whether the club believes he can turn things around. He needs time to implement his ideas and instill his philosophy within the team. However, in the high-pressure environment of Manchester United, time is a luxury that few managers are afforded. The coming weeks and months will be crucial in determining whether Amorim can silence his critics and guide United back to the top.
