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Manchester United appointed Ruben Amorim in November 2024. The club pursued a fresh direction after sacking Erik ten Hag. Fans embraced the young Portuguese manager with optimism, drawn by his impressive track record at Sporting CP.
Tactical Vision Takes Shape
Amorim wasted no time. He introduced his signature 3-4-3 system. Players adjusted to high-pressing wing-backs and a solid defensive unit. Initial games displayed encouraging signs as the team dominated possession and launched intense presses.
Results quickly became inconsistent. United secured some strong victories but lacked reliability. Injuries hit the squad hard. Stars like Bruno Fernandes missed key matches, highlighting thin squad depth. The team lingered in mid-table for most of the 2024-25 campaign.
A Difficult Season
The full calendar year of 2025 proved demanding. United earned 13 Premier League wins, 11 draws, and 14 losses. Defensive mistakes continued despite focused training. Forwards struggled to finish chances. Supporters voiced growing discontent as rivals surged ahead.
Demands for Change
Amorim insisted on complete dedication. He benched underperforming players and gave academy prospects chances. Talents like Kobbie Mainoo stepped up but carried heavy expectations. The manager spoke frankly about the urgent need for cultural reform.
Strains emerged off the pitch. Amorim disagreed with executives on transfers and authority. He publicly criticised the club’s structure during media sessions. These statements revealed deepening frustrations as United finished 2025 in the lower half.
The Breaking Point
The 2025-26 season opened disastrously. United dropped to 14th at times. Draws accumulated while victories remained scarce. Amorim’s points-per-game ratio dipped to 1.43, the worst for any permanent manager this century.
His Abrupt Departure
His complete record showed 24 wins, 18 draws, and 21 losses across competitions. The last game finished 1-1. Hours later, on January 5, 2026, the club dismissed him after 14 months.
Lasting Impact
Amorim injected bold tactics and relentless drive. He sought to revive a sleeping giant yet inherited deep-rooted issues. The ambitious project collapsed amid conflicts and underwhelming results. Manchester United once again hunts for lasting stability.
