Ruben Amorim's tenure at Manchester United seems to be encountering turbulence, as the Portuguese manager appears to be at odds with the club's hierarchy regarding transfer policy and tactical approaches. Recent reports suggest a growing frustration within the club, stemming from a perceived lack of flexibility in Amorim's tactics and a divergence in vision regarding player acquisitions.
Amorim himself has done little to dispel these notions, with recent comments hinting at a possible rift between him and the board. When questioned about his earlier statement regarding the need for "a lot of top players" to effectively play his preferred 3-4-3 formation, Amorim declined to elaborate, stating, "I don't want to talk about that. I just focus on the Leeds game". This reluctance to address the issue has fueled speculation that he is unhappy with the resources available to him and a change in the transfer budget.
Adding to the sense of unease is the apparent breakdown in the relationship between Amorim and key figures within the club, most notably Jason Wilcox, the technical director. Once seen sharing amicable moments, the two are now reportedly experiencing strained interactions, with the manager's decisions and statements allegedly contributing to the tension.
Furthermore, Christopher Vivell, head of recruitment, has reportedly voiced concerns about Amorim's tactical approach, particularly his adherence to the 3-4-3 formation. Vivell is said to have expressed his reservations in a WhatsApp group for United's leadership, highlighting the need for a more adaptable and less predictable system. This came after Marco Silva, the Fulham manager, openly discussed how his team exploited Amorim's setup following their 1-1 draw in August.
Despite sitting sixth in the Premier League, level on points with fifth-placed Chelsea and just three points behind fourth-placed Liverpool, Amorim has downplayed the possibility of any January signings. He stated that there are "no conversations" about changing the squad during the current transfer window, emphasizing that "there is a process, there is an idea" that the club is adhering to. This stance marks a shift from his previous hints at potential January acquisitions if the circumstances were right. It has also been reported that Manchester United will not be proceeding with a £15m transfer involving midfielder Manuel Ugarte.
While Amorim maintains a public face of confidence, stating that his team is capable of winning any game, reports suggest that key figures at the club are growing increasingly restless with his performance. Concerns have been raised about his tactical inflexibility and the team's inability to consistently secure comfortable victories. With the team's performance described as a "rollercoaster," Amorim's future at Manchester United appears increasingly uncertain.
Adding to the pressure, Amorim is dealing with a significant injury list and the absence of several players due to the Africa Cup of Nations. This has further limited his options and contributed to a sense of frustration surrounding the squad's capabilities. However, Amorim has confirmed that none of the injured Manchester United players are expected to return against Leeds. The list of sidelined players includes Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt.
