The Future of Amorim at Manchester United: Continuity or Change?
The pressure on Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim intensifies following the defeat in the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao. Although club sources expressed their support for the Portuguese coach, the debate about his continuity remains present among the fans.
A disappointing season in the Premier League, which could leave United in 17th place, one place above relegation, culminated in the defeat at the San Mamés Stadium. The only positive note of losing the Europa League final is that Amorim will have more time to work on the training ground next season. However, the lack of income from not winning the tournament will reduce the funds available to strengthen the team in the summer.
Arguments in Favor of Amorim’s Continuity
Amorim acknowledges that the results have not been as expected. However, the question arises about the fairness of judging him. The coach took over with the idea of implementing his tactical system, a 3-4-3, in a team designed for a 4-3-3. Furthermore, he has faced injuries to key players such as Lisandro Martínez and Amad Diallo.
Despite the difficulties, there have been positive moments. United beat Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium and achieved draws against Liverpool and Arsenal, as well as defeating the latter in the FA Cup with ten players. Several goals in the final minutes against teams like Rangers, Southampton, Leicester, Lyon and Bournemouth suggest that there is a fighting spirit in the team and that the players support the coach.
It’s not my decision, but I think the manager is the right one and I don’t think there is a better person to come and do the job. I know it’s hard to understand, it’s hard to see. But I still think he is the right man to lead the club.
Bruno Fernandes
Amorim does not plan to change his system, and history suggests that it is not necessary. Oliver Glasner has been effective with a 3-4-3 at Crystal Palace, and Antonio Conte won the league with a three-man defense at Chelsea in 2016-17. Amorim’s greatest advantage is his previous success.
Amorim transformed Sporting CP, leading them to win three Primeira Liga titles and helping players like Viktor Gyökeres become coveted transfer targets. Before leaving Portugal, he achieved a significant victory over Pep Guardiola in the Champions League. In 2023, his team eliminated Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal in the Europa League.
His history in Portugal is a factor to consider. His start at United has been difficult, but he predicted much of it.
Arguments Against Amorim’s Continuity
Amorim’s detractors point to his record in the Premier League. United have only won six of their 24 league games with Amorim in charge, with more than half of them ending in defeat.
Since his appointment in November, only Ipswich, Leicester and Southampton, all relegated, have won fewer matches. His win percentage of 37.8% in all competitions is lower than that of his predecessors David Moyes, Louis van Gaal and Erik ten Hag, and even slightly lower than Ralf Rangnick’s win percentage during his brief interim spell in 2021-22.
Many United fans appreciate Amorim and his management of the team. However, some wonder if he has done enough to secure his future. The funds for signings are limited, and United cannot afford mistakes in player recruitment.
One of the problems with Amorim’s tactical system is its lack of flexibility. He has repeatedly stated that he has “an idea” and has stuck to it. Eddie Howe has occasionally adapted Newcastle’s tactics this season, using a five-man defense, which was particularly effective in the Carabao Cup semi-final against Arsenal. Ange Postecoglou became more pragmatic during the final phase of the Europa League, in which Tottenham were crowned champions in Bilbao.
Amorim’s system requires specialists in specific positions, which will influence the signing decisions. The danger is that, if the results do not improve with the players he chooses in the summer, the United board could make a decision in October or November, as happened with Ten Hag this season.
If things don’t work out with Amorim, United could look for a replacement who prefers a 4-3-3 and request a different player profile in the transfer market, which would imply another reconstruction in a year, without significant progress. Meanwhile, Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool will continue to improve, and the distance with the teams at the top of the table will widen.
Sources have revealed that the transition to Amorim has been more difficult than expected for United’s directors. They expected an improvement in results, but in the Premier League, it hasn’t happened.
The concern is that poor performance in the league will subject Amorim to intense pressure at the start of next season, similar to Ten Hag’s situation last summer, which ended with his dismissal before Christmas.
