Why Ruben Amorim Faces an Uphill Battle at Manchester United | OneFootball

Ruben Amorim and the Challenges of Manchester United’s Modern Malaise

Manchester United’s struggles continue to cast a long shadow over Old Trafford, with Ruben Amorim now facing the same difficulties that have plagued his predecessors. The latest defeat, a lacklustre showing against Tottenham, marked United’s eighth loss in 14 league games under Amorim, who arrived in Manchester heralded as one of Europe’s brightest young coaches. The promise of transformation is yet to materialise.

Antony’s Resurgence Highlights United’s Issues

It has not gone unnoticed that Antony, one of United’s most high-profile signings, has enjoyed a remarkable turnaround since joining Real Betis on loan in January. The Brazilian, a player who managed just two goals in 59 Premier League appearances, has scored in each of his first three outings for the Spanish club, earning man-of-the-match honours along the way.

Antony’s revival in La Liga raises uncomfortable questions about United’s ability to nurture talent. Old Trafford, once the stage for footballing greats, increasingly resembles a place where potential fades. The winger’s situation is emblematic of a wider trend at the club, where expensive signings often struggle to justify their price tags and coaching transitions fail to inspire meaningful improvement.

Photo IMAGO

Ruben Amorim’s Tactical Struggles

Amorim arrived in Manchester with a strong reputation, having led Sporting CP to domestic success and attracting interest from clubs like Manchester City as a potential successor to Pep Guardiola. However, his time at United has yet to reflect that pedigree.

His insistence on deploying a 3-4-3 system has not yielded positive results, and the squad appears ill-suited to his tactical blueprint. While Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martínez are capable operators in a back three, the defensive options beyond them are inconsistent at best. Furthermore, the lack of specialist wing-backs—aside from January arrival Patrick Dorgu—has left the team unbalanced.

More alarmingly, Amorim’s recent decision to deploy young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo as a false nine ahead of natural strikers Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee suggests a manager still searching for solutions rather than implementing a defined strategy. United’s midfield, too, requires a significant refresh, with Casemiro’s announcement that he intends to see out his contract adding another layer of complexity to the club’s long-term plans

Ownership and Recruitment Hurdles

While Amorim is grappling with the challenges on the pitch, he is not the only one under scrutiny. United’s ongoing structural issues remain a significant obstacle to progress. The Glazers, along with new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, have spoken about a new direction, but concerns over financial constraints and squad investment persist.

Photo: IMAGO

Amorim’s future hinges on receiving proper backing. If United continue to tread cautiously in the transfer market due to financial fair play regulations, he may never have the opportunity to build a squad tailored to his vision. Ratcliffe’s influence is expected to bring operational changes, but with budgetary restrictions and staff reductions already in motion, a managerial overhaul of the playing staff appears unlikely in the immediate future.

Looming Danger for Amorim

Unlike Erik ten Hag before him, Amorim currently enjoys a level of job security, with United seemingly reluctant to make another managerial change this season. However, the reality is that results will need to improve significantly from the start of next season. If United fail to provide Amorim with the tools he needs, he will face the same dilemma as Ten Hag—either adapt his system or risk being cast aside.

Ten Hag’s tenure serves as a cautionary tale. Arriving with the ambition of implementing a structured, possession-based approach, he ultimately admitted that United’s squad was incapable of executing that style. The result was a team devoid of identity, lacking a coherent tactical plan, and finishing with both the manager and club in disarray.

If United’s recruitment strategy does not evolve, Amorim may soon find himself at a crossroads. He can either leave with his reputation intact or risk being yet another manager swallowed by the club’s unrelenting cycle of dysfunction.