Ruben Amorim was a big appointment at Manchester United. It featured a bold move and brought in a highly rated young manager. Frantic noodled in that is a ‘now or never’ opportunity. But recent results have clouded that decision.
Growth concerns are now giving way to an initial optimism. Amorim’s arrival, and the make-up of the existing squad, have combined to create a tricky situation.
The situation raises questions regarding the club’s longer-term planning and decision-making. This analysis will do two things: talk about what made United so bad and how Ruben Amorim found himself in this situation and look into what might happen going forward.
Manchester United’s current form is genuinely worrying. They have been defeated five times in their last six Premier League fixtures. They’ve tumbled down the table with a run of poor results. Itโs also created a negative feeling around the club.
Their recent victory over Manchester City, though, had more the feel of a lucky escape than a dominant display. They have not performed consistently enough or well enough in togetherness.
Amorim’s preferred system disconnects him from the players he has at his disposal. He likes a three at the back and wing-backs. This is a style they (the current squad) are not able to play at the moment. A four-at-the-back system suits many players.
This mismatch, however, has left successful attack and defensive weak points. Too many goals were conceded and not too many chances were created. It is a bleak picture painted by the statistics. Nevertheless, their defensive record has improved tremendously.
Ruben Amorim to have a tough time
They are taking more shots and conceding more goals per game than they have all season. They have also seen the attacking output decline. Now they are creating fewer scoring chances and scoring fewer goals. The statistics above show the team is in rough shape and needs improvement.
The clubโs short-term and long-term prospects are now in question. It could prove very bad news for United, failing to cut European football next season if the current trend continues. This would have been financially and reputationally problematic.
That would also mean it would be more difficult in the future to get top players. The decision the club’s hierarchy faces in the January transfer window is crucial.
They have to decide whether they are going to invest a lot of money in new players that fit Amorim’s system. That would mean a lot of financial outlay. That would also mean that their transfer strategy up to that point was wrong.
Could he end up like Potter?
If Amorim fails to shore up the squad, he could mark himself down for further decline. Also, it was a grave concern that this would impact the club’s long-term reputation. In the long run, poor performances would continue to damage the club’s brand.
Make sponsorship and commercial partners less likely to invest. It also raises questions over Amorim’s future at the club. But if results don’t improve, he may be forced to resign or sacked. It would have been a disaster for Amorim and the club.
With the pressure so high on Amorim and his team United head to Anfield to face Liverpool. Liverpoolโs incredibly powerful attacking side creates a tremendous struggle for Unitedโs flimsy defence. A heavy defeat would dent morale even further.
Perhaps add fuel to the voices demanding change. Amorim will see Sundayโs match as a major test of his leadership and tactical acumen.
Author’s opinion
It could also be a defining moment of his time at Old Trafford as the outcome of this game could be huge on the storylines of his time at the club. They will also be watching to see if the club hierarchy’s mid-season gamble has paid off, or if they have to consider other alternatives. The situation remains fluid.
Time will only tell if Amorim can turn things around and bring United back into the successful fold. The team now lives or dies by its ability to adapt, improve, and deliver good results. A crucial part of all of this will come in the January transfer window.
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