What’s Gone Right and Wrong for Ruben Amorim
Ruben Amorim arrived at Manchester United this season with high expectations, regarded as a tactical genius capable of reviving the club. His success with Sporting CP and reputation for developing young talent made him a bold and maybe risky appointment. However, just months into his tenure, United finds itself in unfamiliar territory, 13th place in the Premier League, with only one win in their last seven games. This unexpected turn of events has left fans and management questioning whether Amorim’s methods are truly suited for the challenges of the Premier League.
One of the most pressing issues under Ruben Amorim has been the predictability of his approach. At Sporting CP, his innovative back-three system brought immense success, but in the Premier League, it has often been exposed. According to Opta, Amorim has used a back-three formation in every single one of his 188 league and European matches at Sporting, with 3-4-2-1 being his most common starting setup, followed by 3-4-3 and occasionally 3-5-2. Amorim is deeply committed to his philosophy, but it also highlights his reluctance to adapt. Opponents have increasingly exploited the vulnerabilities of this system, targeting the spaces left behind by attacking wingbacks and overwhelming United’s midfield.
Manchester United’s struggles under Ruben Amorim haven’t been helped by growing uncertainty around key players. Marcus Rashford, a consistent goal scorer for United, is linked with a move away from the club. Speculation about his future has added to the instability, with rumors suggesting his departure could leave a significant void in the team’s attack. Meanwhile, captain Bruno Fernandes has faced criticism for his inconsistent performances and a poor disciplinary record this season. With four yellow cards and two red cards, he has amassed more cards than goals this season, having scored only four goals so far. While he remains a crucial player, his lack of composure on the pitch reflects the broader challenges United faces in maintaining focus and discipline. Amid these issues, there has been a glimmer of hope in Amad Diallo. The 22-year-old winger has impressed the league with his ability and composure in front of the goal. In 12 games under Amorim, Diallo has contributed three goals and five assists, showcasing his talent and potential to be a key player for the team.
While Manchester United’s results under Ruben Amorim have been disappointing, the statistics suggest there may be more positives than the league table reflects. Statistics such as expected goals, known as xG, indicate that United is creating quality chances, even if they have struggled to convert them consistently. Additionally, the team’s possession and passing accuracy numbers are very high and cater to their style of play. These stats point to a foundation being built, with the potential for long-term success if given time to develop. However, Amorim himself has acknowledged the urgency for improvement, stating, "We are building something special here, and these things take time. The results may not be immediate, but the foundation is being laid for sustained success."
Ruben Amorim’s tenure at Manchester United so far has had its ups and downs. While his tactical philosophy and focus on long-term development offer potential, the immediate results have left many unhappy. Despite the struggles, his system has produced a high xG and strong possession stats, indicating that the foundation for success is there. With mounting pressure from fans and management, Amorim must adapt quickly to navigate the challenges of the Premier League. The coming weeks will determine whether he can turn things around or if United will be forced to seek change once again.
