When Rúben Amorim was appointed Manchester United manager in late 2024, the move was hailed as bold—a young, tactically innovative coach taking over one of the world’s most prestigious clubs. Fast forward 10 months, and the optimism has largely faded with the writing already seemingly on the wall.
In my opinion, the evidence glaringly and overwhelmingly points to the fact that Ruben Amorim is out of his depth at Old Trafford.
Recently, Amorim publicly claimed he was “suffering more” than the fans who pay to watch the team. This strikes me not as honesty, but as arrogance. Ruben, please read the room. Leading a club like Manchester United is about inspiring others—players, staff, and supporters alike—not positioning yourself as the person bearing the greatest burden. Leadership is reflected in the team, and currently, United’s performances tell a story of uninspired guidance rather than resilient motivation.
Watching Amorim on the touchline, he is the most uninspiring United manager I have seen since Sir Alex Ferguson retired. He rarely projects energy, urgency, or strategic clarity. The atmosphere around the team feels flat, and without a compelling presence, it’s no surprise that the squad seems hesitant and disconnected at times. A manager should be a source of confidence and belief; at the moment, that’s simply not what we see.
Perhaps most concerning is his inability to influence games when the team is losing. I haven’t once seen him make decisive tactical changes to alter the direction of a match. Instead, he consistently plays players out of position, which further compounds United’s struggles. Leadership isn’t just about planning before kick-off—it’s about making adjustments under pressure. On both fronts, Amorim falls short.
However, the key concern is his stubbornness. Amorim’s approach has been rigid; he insists on certain tactical setups even when they clearly aren’t working. The best managers adapt to circumstances, opponents, and the players at their disposal. Amorim’s inflexibility signals a worrying unwillingness to change, which which ultimately see him lose his job.
At the heart of football management is a simple principle: the team mirrors its leader. If the players look hesitant, disorganized, or uninspired, it is often a reflection of the manager. Right now, Manchester United is a team lacking rhythm, cohesion, and belief. While fans hope for tactical brilliance, the reality is that leadership shapes mindset and attitude—both of which are clearly lacking under Amorim.
Rúben Amorim may have shown promise at Sporting CP, but managing Manchester United is an entirely different challenge. Leadership here is about more than tactics—it’s about inspiration and adaptability. Based on his current tenure, he fails on both counts. Without a shift in approach, United risk drifting further away from the ambition and energy that define this club’s identity.
You cannot make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear—and at the moment, that metaphor perfectly encapsulates Amorim’s tenure: he is out of his depth, and no amount of ambition or self-promotion will disguise it.
Even as I write this, I hope that Amorim turns it around. I hope he proves me wrong. However, I see no evidence to suggest that this will be the case.
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