Ruben Amorim’s upcoming tenure as Manchester United manager is set to be one of the most challenging managerial assignments in recent history. Watching United’s 1-1 draw against Chelsea from Lisbon, Amorim would have seen a stark reminder of the deep-rooted issues he must confront at Old Trafford. Despite their hard work under caretaker manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, United’s performance lacked the creativity and cohesion needed to compete at the Premier League’s top level.
With a measly 13th-place standing and 12 points from their first 10 games—United’s worst start since the 1986-87 season—it is evident that the team’s problems go beyond simple tactics. In a display that saw few quality chances created, Bruno Fernandes’ penalty was the only breakthrough for United. Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo, whose goal brought Chelsea level, epitomized the robust midfield presence United are currently missing, highlighting the club’s lack of effective recruitment over recent years.
United’s forward line is another area of concern for Amorim. Between Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford, and Rasmus Hojlund, they managed only four league goals this season, underscoring the lack of finishing quality. Rashford’s erratic shot conversion rate, coupled with Hojlund’s lack of touches in the penalty area, only further emphasizes the urgency of a tactical overhaul in the attacking department.
Amorim’s reputation for structured, three-man defensive systems might provide stability at the back, but finding players fit for this setup may prove difficult. Despite recent signings, defensive fragility remains a recurring theme, and Lisandro Martinez’s reckless challenge late in the match further underscored the lack of discipline.
Midfield stability, meanwhile, is almost non-existent, exposing United’s defense to swift opposition counters. Amorim’s task of rebuilding a coherent midfield will likely require both patience and a significant budget to bring in players capable of providing consistent support.
Recruitment, an ongoing issue for the club, will need a fresh approach. Antony’s underwhelming performances following his £82 million move from Ajax, and the similarly lackluster form of Joshua Zirkzee after his £36 million transfer from Bologna, demonstrate the costly mistakes that have hindered United’s progress. In contrast, Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo, whose commanding display at Old Trafford underscored what United could have had for a fraction of his eventual transfer fee, is a sobering example of the club’s missed opportunities.
Another decision awaiting Amorim concerns Ruud van Nistelrooy’s future role. While Van Nistelrooy is beloved by fans, Amorim may want to assemble his own backroom team to ensure a cohesive approach to this rebuild, though this could be met with mixed emotions from supporters.
To overcome the challenges facing him, Amorim will require both new signings and, perhaps more importantly, patience. The upcoming weeks will determine how he approaches this formidable task. Whether United’s board grants him the resources and time he needs remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Amorim’s journey at Old Trafford will be anything but easy.
