Manchester United are in disarray under Ruben Amorim, with issues spreading far beyond the tactical decisions on the field. The excitement surrounding Jim Ratcliffe’s arrival as owner has turned to frustration, particularly after United’s latest defeat to Tottenham, which left the team languishing in 15th place. Amorim’s tenure, now four months in, has yielded just four wins from 14 league matches, with United’s points per game dropping from 1.22 under Erik ten Hag to a disappointing 1.00. The club has failed to show significant progress, with moments of resilience like their performance at Anfield and the Emirates in the FA Cup standing out as rare positives in a sea of mediocrity.
Amad Diallo’s recent injury, which has ruled him out for the rest of the season, was another blow for United, as he had been one of the few players showing real promise under Amorim. With the squad’s quality in question, there are increasing doubts about United’s direction and future. On Sunday, their lineup included few players who could be seen as part of the club’s long-term plans, and even Patrick Dorgu, one of the fresh arrivals, is yet to make his mark. The club’s willingness to sell Alejandro Garnacho despite his potential also reflects a troubling lack of clarity about their future goals.
At the heart of the problem is the squad Amorim inherited, which can best be described as a mess. United’s bench on Sunday highlighted the limited options available to him, with eight teenagers and Victor Lindelöf as the only senior backup. The lack of quality depth suggests that United are likely to finish lower than 10th this season, something that hasn’t happened since 1989-90. While the performance on the field is disappointing, the root of the issue lies firmly with the ownership and the decisions made by the club’s hierarchy.
Ratcliffe, who took over control of United’s football operations almost a year ago, was initially met with optimism. As a local businessman, his involvement was seen as a potential turning point. Yet, his tenure has been marked by cost-cutting measures that have made little sense and created unnecessary frustration. For example, the removal of discounts for pensioners and children, as well as the hiring of expensive executives, have done little to inspire confidence in his vision for the club. The appointment of Dan Ashworth as sporting director was meant to provide a much-needed coordinated approach to recruitment, but his departure after just five months allegedly due to disagreements over Amorim’s appointment only added to the instability.
Amorim’s credentials as a talented coach are not in question. His success in Portugal proves he knows how to manage a team, but his tactical system, particularly his preference for a 3-4-3 formation, doesn’t seem suited to the squad at his disposal. He has maintained that this season is one of transition, with players needing time to adjust to his methods. However, it’s evident that many of United’s current players struggle to adapt to such a system, and there’s no indication that significant reinforcements are coming anytime soon. United are also under financial constraints, as they must carefully navigate the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules.
The larger issue is one of mismanagement at the highest level. The club has failed to establish a clear footballing philosophy, and the role of sporting director someone who should have been tasked with guiding the club’s footballing direction has been undermined. Amorim’s appointment, while ambitious, has so far been a gamble that hasn’t paid off. Even with time, it’s hard to see how he could significantly transform a squad that isn’t built for his system.
The pressure on Amorim is mounting, and while he might be the right man in the long term, the damage done this season could tarnish his reputation beyond repair. United fans, who have paid top prices to watch some of the worst football seen in over 30 years, are understandably frustrated. Amorim’s task is enormous, but even more so is the question of whether the club’s owners are truly invested in solving the deeper issues at Old Trafford. Until there is clarity on that front, Manchester United’s struggles will likely continue.
