Ruben Amorim’s Failures Make Change at Manchester United Unavoidable

34 points in 33 Premier League games. That is Ruben Amorim’s record since taking charge at Old Trafford in November 2024. Despite reports that the hierarchy still backs him, football is a results-driven business. If a manager fails to deliver results, there must be consequences.

At just 40 years old, Amorim is still less than a year into one of the biggest jobs in sport. Yet it is already clear this appointment is not working. United’s new football structure promised a return to the very top of thefootball game, but with Amorim in charge, that vision feels impossible. Recognising a mistake and acting decisively would be the first step in proving Manchester United are serious about becoming a forward-thinking, progressive club that can dominate again.

Amorim’s Inherited Problems

It is important to acknowledge that not every issue is Amorim’s fault. Years of poor transfer business and a toxic dressing-room culture left him with a difficult situation. To his credit, he attempted to reset that culture, moving on players such as Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho and Antony; at least temporarily, during the summer. He inherited a fractured club, but despite his intent, his efforts to repair it have fallen flat.

Summer Transfer Failings

The summer window was meant to be Amorim’s chance to rebuild. He was backed with over £200 million, yet United’s recruitment baffled fans and pundits alike. The club bought three forwards and a goalkeeper who has already been sidelined, leaving Altay Bayindir still in the XI.

Yes, Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko were added, but where was the badly needed midfielder? Where was the commanding centre-back? Where was the top-class goalkeeper to steady the defence? Instead, United persisted with familiar underperformers, Luke Shaw being the prime example, despite long-term doubts over their form and fitness.

In short, while some deadwood was cleared, far too much remains. Worse still, many of those players are still regular starters under Amorim.

Out of His Depth?

Some argue Amorim’s problems stem from his rigid reliance on the 3-4-2-1 system. But United knew exactly what they were hiring. The issue is not the formation; it’s how it’s implemented.

The job of a manager is to improve players and maximise their strengths. Amorim has done neither. United fans would struggle to name a single player who has improved under his watch; many have regressed. For comparison, look at Oliver Glasner’s Crystal Palace. Glasner employs the same 3-4-2-1, yet Palace have been transformed. The difference is the coach.

Amorim’s Failure Laid Bare

The numbers make for brutal reading. In 33 Premier League games, United have lost 17 and won just 9. That equates to a win rate of just 27%, the worst in Manchester United’s Premier League history.

For context, Graham Potter was dismissed by West Ham after eight months with a 26% win rate. Amorim’s record is barely better. He has failed to win consecutive league games, hasn’t secured an away victory since March, and suffered the humiliation of losing to Grimsby in the League Cup.

Next up is Sunderland, which will mark Amorim’s 50th game in charge. Lose again, and there will be no justification for a 51st.

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