The honeymoon period is officially over for Ruben Amorim at Manchester United. Sources within the club have revealed growing discontent amongst players regarding the Portuguese manager’s rigid tactical approach, which they believe is hindering the team’s progress and contributing to their dismal league position.
Since his appointment in November, Amorim has stubbornly adhered to a 3-4-2-1 formation, a system that has left many players bewildered and frustrated. “We got away with one but we might not be so lucky next time,” confided a source close to the squad to the Daily Mail, highlighting the precarious nature of their recent victories, often achieved through late goals rather than tactical dominance.
The Red Devils have displayed a worrying reliance on individual brilliance and moments of fortune, with late goals against Leicester, Fulham, and Rangers papering over the cracks of a struggling system. “The feeling is, ‘We won, but it wasn’t because of his tactics’,” the source added, painting a picture of a squad growing increasingly disillusioned with their manager’s methods.
Amorim, however, remains defiant. “What you see guys and what you discuss every week, I also see,” he retorted to Sky Sports after their humiliating 1-0 defeat to Tottenham, their third loss to Spurs this season. “I have a lot of problems, my job is so, so hard here. But I stick with my beliefs.” This unwavering commitment to his preferred system, despite mounting evidence of its shortcomings, has further fueled the unrest within the squad.
United’s current predicament echoes the turmoil experienced under previous managers like David Moyes, Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho, all of whom grappled with player discontent and internal dissent. The pressure is mounting on Amorim to deliver results, and with a crucial trip to Goodison Park on the horizon, the coming weeks will be pivotal in determining his long-term future at Old Trafford.
