New Delhi: Ruben Amorim did not have the start he had imagined when he took the Manchester United managerial role. He has led the Red Devils in 11 matches, of which they have won four, lost six and drawn one. With 52 days into the managerial job, the 39-year-old, even after having a terrible start as manager, still has the backing of “most players” according to Man United expert Andy Mitten.
According to the founder of the United We Stand fanzine, who has outstanding connections within the club, Amorim has “support from fans and from most players who welcomed his arrival, openness and enthusiasm.”
Though he does not reveal the names of specific individuals who oppose Amorim, he typically refers to players who are not in the starting line-up; according to most reports, Marcus Rashford, Antony, Christian Eriksen, Casemiro, Joshua Zirkzee and Victor Lindelof are all available for free transfer.
The chances of Amorim getting sacked are probably slim despite him being top of the sack race. Man United face a high risk of relegation in 2025 if their current performance does not improve in the remaining season.
🔮 𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡: Will Manchester United get relegated? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/OyWJsG05mQ
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) December 31, 2024
Formation under fire amid growing criticism
However, Amorim needs to win games, and no manager can continue to lose every week, especially at a giant club like United. The team is currently languishing in 14th in the Premier League standings, which is intolerable. Despite the fact that his favoured formation is producing extremely poor results, Amorim has made it clear that he will not change it.
He asserted that playing with three is essentially the same as playing with four. “We are able to alter the traits. It might be slightly different if we play with Amad on the wing. I don’t see it that way since we had several games where we were pushing 4-4-2. Of course, I already knew the guys, but I didn’t pick them, especially for that position.
“However, if I don’t sell my idea, it will just get worse if I keep changing. But I understand that they have a lot of difficulties because they spent two years playing one way and then they are playing another.
“It is quite difficult for them when they lose a lot, and you can sense it during the game against Newcastle when they attempted to score; they were almost there, but it was more from them than the organisation. But, I have to sell my idea, I don’t have another one.”
🚨RA – “I was here because of my idea & I will continue with my idea until the very end.” pic.twitter.com/zcZGWISm4J
— 𝗔𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗺’𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘀 ✍🏼🇵🇹 (@AmorimBalll_) December 30, 2024
However, pundits are criticising Amorim. Danny Murphy said “Most matches are won or lost in midfield. Managers have drilled that into players and it’s still the case today.”
He slammed the former Sporting CP manager over his formation against Newcastle on Monday night, saying, “Few teams ask two players to go up against three when they aren’t equipped for the job and don’t get any help, so I found it bizarre Ruben Amorim did it against a side as athletic as Newcastle. I was at Old Trafford and could see the problem within a few minutes. By the time the Manchester United boss reacted, his team were 2-0 down and it was football suicide.”
A New Year’s Eve message from the boss 📝
Let’s move onwards and upwards together in 2025 ❤️#MUFC pic.twitter.com/qsno1mmn3h
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 31, 2024
Amorim is strongly being questioned over his system, and pundits are stating that the performances and results are not going to change unless he changes his style. The 13-time Premier League title winners are in the bottom half of the table at 14th spot and facing the challenge of avoiding relegation.
Ruben Amorim retains support from most Manchester United players despite poor results and criticism over his tactics with relegation fears looming. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
