The man calling the shots at Old Trafford these days — Ruben Amorim — cut a frustrated figure on the sidelines as Manchester United slumped to yet another disappointing result.
Was it the pain of losing to a top-six rival? The sight of new signing Benjamin Sesko going a full game without touching the ball in the opposition box? Or perhaps the stinging reminder that his discarded striker, Rasmus Højlund, scored on his Napoli debut just 24 hours earlier?
Whatever it was, Amorim’s thoughts could not have been pleasant.
A Worrying Start for United
After spending more than £200m across the last two summers, United find themselves in unfamiliar territory. Stats company Opta now gives them an 11% chance of relegation — and only a 7.3% chance of finishing in the top five.
With just four points from four games, this is United’s poorest league start since 1992–93 under Sir Alex Ferguson. That season, Ferguson turned things around by signing Eric Cantona in November — a luxury Amorim doesn’t have with today’s transfer rules.
Amorim Defiant Despite Criticism
Speaking after the defeat, the Portuguese coach tried to stay composed:
“I understand how football is and results dictate all the narratives. We are doing better but the results don’t show that… I will do everything that is best for the club. Until I am here, I will do my best — and I am suffering more than them [the fans].”
But as empty blue seats outnumbered supporters by full time, it was clear the fans’ patience is thinning.
Formation Debate: 3-4-3 vs Reality
Much of the criticism centres on Amorim’s insistence on using a 3-4-3 formation. The system often leaves United’s midfield exposed, as seen when Jeremy Doku sliced through Bruno Fernandes and a static defence to set up Phil Foden’s opener.
Former United captain Roy Keane didn’t hold back on Sky Sports:
“This United team lack real quality… You talk about the system, but the manager is sticking to his guns. He’s not budging.”
Ex-England international Theo Walcott also questioned the system, insisting that United should revert to a more solid 4-3-3:
“You’re asking players to play in positions they’re not used to. I’d rather see Bruno higher up the pitch and two solid centre-backs behind.”
Sesko Struggles, Højlund Smiles
On his first Premier League start, Benjamin Sesko had only one real chance — a heavy touch that ended with a weak effort easily saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma, before being ruled out for handball.
Meanwhile in Italy, Rasmus Højlund marked his Napoli debut with a goal, celebrated on X (formerly Twitter) by the club with millions of views and thousands of likes. The comparison was not lost on United fans.
“We’re the Better Team” – Amorim’s Defence
Amorim insists his methods will work. He pointed to United’s display against Arsenal as proof:
“Against Arsenal, were we the better team? Odegaard, Rice, and Zubimendi are three top midfielders. We played with two. The fans don’t want to hear this, but I am trying to be rational.”
His message, however, is not convincing many.
Forest Green Rovers Jibe
Even Robbie Savage, now managing Forest Green Rovers in the National League, couldn’t resist a cheeky dig:
“Grimsby beat them. If Forest Green got to the third round of the FA Cup, I’d want to draw Manchester United at home.”
It was a brutal assessment of how far United have fallen — and a warning of how quickly Amorim must find answers.
Final Thoughts
With a poor start, mounting pressure, and tactical questions hanging over him, Ruben Amorim faces a defining few weeks at Old Trafford. Whether he adapts or continues to back his philosophy could determine not just United’s season — but his own future.
