When History Demands a Better Plan: Amorim’s United Era Under Fire

What went wrong at Manchester United

Manchester United’s season continues to be unsettled, with scrutiny intensifying around coach Rubén Amorim, whose tenure is described as one of the club’s toughest spells in recent memory. Following a 3-1 defeat to Brentford on Saturday, voices from former stars demanded a clearance of the path for a new direction, labeling Amorim’s period as catastrophic for a club of United’s stature.

In the wake of that result, criticism broadened beyond the starting XI, reflecting a broader concern about the club’s strategy and leadership during this era. Many observers question whether the current approach aligns with United’s long-standing identity and the expectations that come with wearing the club’s colors.

The voices that spoke out

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher did not mince words on Sky Sports, arguing that what Amorim is delivering does not reflect United’s history or the club’s size. He described the period as a catastrophe for both club and coach, acknowledging that Amorim’s success at Sporting CP was impressive but not compatible with Manchester United’s traditions. The sooner the club acts, the better for everyone, Carragher suggested.

He also noted that the manager, who finished last season in fifteenth and currently sits near the bottom, has failed to win over players or supporters with his approach. Gary Neville joined the critique, saying this group of players looks better than the results indicate, and warned that Amorim has not tried to alter the system or explore new paths to victory. When you lose, you must seek solutions rather than repeating the same plan, Neville argued.

Neville, echoing the sense of urgency, added that United knew the manager’s style when they appointed him; his track record suggested change would be unlikely, and he warned that Amorim is very close to losing his job if results do not improve soon.

Accountability and tactical questions

Carragher expanded the blame to the club’s sporting department, stressing that Amorim is known for a rigid three-man defense that has been a staple since his Sporting Lisbon days. He warned that managers can shift systems, but not always their core philosophy. He pointed to the club’s executives—Omar Barada, Jason Wilcox, and Sir Jim Ratcliffe—as being responsible for hiring Amorim and for setting the strategic direction.

In a striking statistic, Carragher revealed that over 49 matches Amorim has altered the defensive setup 42 times, a level of tinkering that underscores a lack of settled identity. He added that any other top manager in the Premier League would consider themselves capable of doing better with United’s resources. The one positive note, in his view, is that the club did not back Amorim fully in the market, allowing players to adapt to a potential four-man system with Bruno Fernandes at 10, Bryan Mbwemo on the right, Mathis Conia on the left, and Benjamin Sesko leading the line—enough to compete for European places with a competent coach at the helm.

Nevertheless, Carragher emphasized that Amorim has not completed a full year, yet the current trajectory makes it hard to see a brighter future for the club under his leadership. The situation is complicated by the fact that the squad has undergone several changes, and the results have not mirrored the investments or expectations associated with a club of United’s size.

Looking ahead and the price to pay

Former United star Gary Neville highlighted the irony of a squad that looks better than its results, while also criticizing the decision not to adjust the system more aggressively. He warned that if results do not improve, the manager’s position will come under significant strain, regardless of the board’s financial backing in the recent transfer window.

As the discussion heated up, Carragher warned of the broader consequences for the club, including the management structure and its ability to secure a stable, winning approach. He stressed that the blame ultimately rests with those who recruited Amorim and shaped the squad, and that the club must consider whether a change in leadership could restore Manchester United’s standing and confidence around Old Trafford.

Looking ahead, United are preparing for a game against Sunderland, which could prove pivotal for Amorim’s future before the international break, followed by a high-stakes clash with Liverpool at Anfield. The team also benefits from a lighter schedule due to absence from European competitions this season, which could offer a chance to recalibrate. However, the prospect of parting ways with Amorim could carry additional costs for a club already weighing a stadium rebuild rather than continuing under the current regime.

In summary, the prevailing sentiment is that Amorim must demonstrate tangible improvement soon, or risk a decision that will be costly both financially and for the club’s future direction.

Punchline 1: If this keeps up, Old Trafford might start offering directions to the dressing room in the form of a GPS—Great Positioning System, obviously not Guilty of Poor Strategy.
Punchline 2: They say defense wins games; at United, apparently, it’s a three-man defense that’s now in witness protection.