Ruben Amorim’s tenure as Manchester United manager has gotten off to a historically poor start, mirroring the struggles of Walter Crickmer back in 1931. While Crickmer lost six of his first ten matches, Amorim has lost five, a record unmatched by any United manager in the intervening nine decades. The festive period, which initially seemed to offer a chance for Amorim to build momentum after a dramatic derby win against Manchester City, has instead yielded three consecutive defeats. The upcoming fixtures offer little respite, with a challenging run against in-form Newcastle, league leaders Liverpool, and a difficult FA Cup tie against Arsenal. This daunting schedule raises concerns that Amorim’s already shaky record could worsen.
The recent defeats have highlighted several concerning trends. United’s defense has been particularly vulnerable, conceding goals directly from corners in two separate matches, while also struggling against set-pieces in general. Opponents, including Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth, have exploited this weakness, and Newcastle’s Eddie Howe will undoubtedly be targeting it in the upcoming match. The team’s overall performance has been inconsistent, with improved performances under Amorim not translating into results. The lack of wins is impacting confidence, creating a cycle of disappointment and increasing pressure.
Amorim’s challenges are compounded by the timing of these fixtures. Bournemouth, fresh from a string of positive results and a full week of preparation, comfortably defeated United 3-0 at Old Trafford. Wolves, invigorated by their new coach, Vitor Pereira, carried their momentum into a 2-0 victory against United just days later. Now, United faces a Newcastle side that has found its form, winning four straight matches and scoring freely, with Alexander Isak leading the charge. To further complicate matters, United will be without captain Bruno Fernandes and midfielder Manuel Ugarte, both suspended for the Newcastle game.
Despite the mounting pressure, there are voices of support for Amorim within the club. Harry Maguire, the former United captain, acknowledges the difficult transition period and expresses confidence in Amorim’s ability to turn things around. He highlights the stark contrast in style between Amorim and his predecessor, Erik ten Hag, emphasizing that while the adaptation process may be challenging, the players believe in Amorim’s vision and work ethic. Maguire also stresses the importance of unity and focus within the squad amidst external criticism.
Amorim himself acknowledges the need for time to implement his new playing style, particularly amidst the demanding festive fixture schedule. He recognizes the “short-term costs” associated with his long-term goals, emphasizing that improvement will come with time and patience. However, in the unforgiving world of top-flight football, patience can be a scarce commodity. Jim Ratcliffe, the new minority owner, has demonstrated a willingness to make swift changes when necessary, adding another layer of pressure to Amorim’s situation.
The coming weeks will be crucial for Amorim. He must find a way to stabilize the defense, improve consistency, and start delivering results. The match against Newcastle presents a significant test, and a positive result could be a turning point. Failure to improve, however, could see the pressure intensify, leaving Amorim’s future at Old Trafford in doubt. The “storm,” as Cristiano Ronaldo predicted, continues to rage, and Amorim must find a way to weather it and bring the sunshine back to Manchester United. His ability to do so will determine not just the immediate future of the team, but also his own longevity at the helm of one of the world’s biggest football clubs.
