Critics Question New Manager’s Tactics and Future Amid Dismal Run of Form
Ruben Amorim’s tenure as Manchester United manager is already under intense scrutiny, with critics suggesting the Portuguese coach is “out of his depth” and may already be considering his exit from Old Trafford. The 40-year-old, who took over from Erik ten Hag earlier this season, has failed to inspire a turnaround at the club, with familiar issues plaguing the team and results continuing to disappoint.
Amorim was brought in to revitalize a struggling United side after Ten Hag’s expensive squad failed to deliver despite a £180 million summer spending spree. However, hopes of a “new manager bounce” have quickly faded. Since switching to a 3-4-2-1 formation, United have won just eight of their 19 matches under Amorim, losing eight and remaining stuck in 13th place in the Premier League—the same position they were in when he took charge.
Sunday’s 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace marked Amorim’s fifth loss in just 19 games, making him the fastest Manchester United manager in history to reach that unwanted milestone. The performance, described as “poor” by critics, has reignited debates over whether the former Sporting CP coach is cut out for one of the most high-pressure jobs in football.
Among Amorim’s most vocal critics is former Sky Sports host Richard Keys, who didn’t hold back in his assessment. “I’m afraid Amorim looks totally out of his depth,” Keys wrote in his blog. “He’s going to have to change and learn fast if he wants to stay in the job. I’m still not convinced he doesn’t want out already.”
Keys also questioned Amorim’s baffling decision to play 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo as a false nine against Palace, despite having strikers Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee available. “What are you actually saying to those players with a decision like that?” Keys added.
Amorim’s handling of the media has also drawn criticism. Earlier this season, he sparked outrage by labeling his team the “worst Man Utd side in history,” a comment he later retracted and apologized for. However, the damage was done, with pundits like Jamie Carragher left stunned by the remarks.
The treatment of key players has further fueled the backlash. Amorim’s decision to force Marcus Rashford out of the club on loan to Aston Villa has been widely criticized, with Paul Merson suggesting it could cost the manager his job. Meanwhile, the failure to strengthen the attack in the January transfer window has left Amorim with limited options up front, relying heavily on Hojlund and Zirkzee—both of whom were overlooked in favor of Mainoo on Sunday.
Alan Shearer has warned that Amorim’s decisions could leave his strikers feeling undervalued. “Amorim’s treatment of both Zirkzee and Hojlund will leave both feeling flat and questioning if they belong at Old Trafford,” Shearer said.
As pressure mounts, speculation over Amorim’s future continues to grow. Reports suggest West Ham are monitoring Hojlund’s situation and could make a move for the Dane this summer if United decide to sell. Meanwhile, United are reportedly scouting Sunderland’s teenage midfielder Chris Rigg and Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, though competition for the latter is expected to be fierce.
For now, Amorim faces an uphill battle to win over fans, pundits, and perhaps even his own players. With United’s season in disarray, the question remains: can he turn things around, or is his time at Old Trafford already running out?
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