Ruben Amorim’s start to life at Manchester United has been anything but smooth. With a 3–1 defeat to Brentford marking another disappointing chapter, the Portuguese manager is now overseeing the club’s worst-ever start to a Premier League season since 1992–93. Despite high hopes and a bold tactical identity, United have yet to record back-to-back league wins under Amorim since his November 2024 appointment. Now, with pressure mounting from fans and the INEOS ownership, it’s time for Amorim to make urgent, tactical, and psychological adjustments if his tenure at Old Trafford is to avoid spiraling out of control.
1. Adapt Tactical Stubbornness for Greater Flexibility
Ruben Amorim’s tactical philosophy, rooted in a 3-4-2-1 formation, brought him immense success at Sporting CP—but its rigid implementation at United has yielded diminishing returns. Amorim insists he won’t abandon his core principles, saying, “If I want to change my philosophy, I will change. If not, you have to change the man.” While his belief is admirable, the Premier League has exposed cracks in his system.
Manchester United’s current setup lacks the unpredictability needed at this level. Attacking sequences feel rehearsed but hollow, and build-up play too often falters due to awkward positioning—particularly with a centre-back drifting into midfield roles. There’s also a reliance on wing-back combinations and speculative one-touch passes that rarely amount to real chances.
Amorim doesn’t need to overhaul his system, but he does need to inject positional fluidity and empower his players to deviate from the script when necessary. A glance at Oliver Glasner’s success with a three-man defence at Crystal Palace offers a compelling example: same shape, but better execution and flexibility.
2. Fix the Midfield Puzzle and Build Familiarity
Amorim’s most glaring headache lies in midfield. With Bruno Fernandes frequently pushed deeper due to a lack of top-quality midfielders, United are suffering from poor balance and defensive vulnerabilities. Fernandes can spark transitions and provide range, but he’s not a natural pivot—and that’s showing.
Casemiro has offered stability, but Amorim hasn’t yet found the ideal partner for him. Kobbie Mainoo, despite his youth and inconsistency, is too talented to be a fringe player. Meanwhile, Manuel Ugarte has yet to meet expectations after a summer move. The result? United are overrun in midfield far too often, and opposition teams are finding joy exploiting the gaps.
If Amorim is to restore control in matches, he must settle on a consistent midfield pairing—and allow Fernandes to return to a more advanced role where he can influence the final third. Likewise, reintegrating key young talents like Mainoo and consistently starting Leny Yoro in defense will be vital for building chemistry across the spine of the team.
3. Shift the Narrative: Inspire, Don’t Deflate
Amorim won plaudits early on for his honest assessment of United’s troubles, including calling last year’s squad potentially “the worst team in the history of Manchester United.” But as losses pile up and confidence fades, that same candor is now starting to backfire.
United have made a habit of gifting goals through individual mistakes—errors that are only magnified under a manager who often critiques his team publicly. The club needs belief and resilience more than ever, and that starts with the man in charge.
Amorim doesn’t need to sugar-coat reality, but a more uplifting, motivational presence could go a long way. Managers are leaders as much as tacticians, and a shift in tone—from bleak realism to steady encouragement—could be the key to getting more out of underperforming players.
Final Thoughts: The Clock is Ticking
Ruben Amorim’s tenure at Manchester United isn’t doomed yet, but the window for a turnaround is narrowing. Tactical flexibility, smarter midfield combinations, and a more empowering leadership style are non-negotiables if he hopes to reverse the club’s dire fortunes. The Premier League is unforgiving, and unless Amorim adapts quickly, his time at Old Trafford may be cut short before any real legacy can begin.
