Has Manchester United Deteriorated Under Amorim? Rooney Weighs In

Manchester United's recent struggles have left them languishing in 14th place in the Premier League, mirroring their position when Erik ten Hag was sacked in October 2024. Under the management of Ruben Amorim, who took over on 1 November 2024, the team's performance has reportedly declined, with former club captain Wayne Rooney highlighting a lack of progression and worrying statistics surrounding their gameplay.

Last updated: 05 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Manchester United currently sits 14th in the Premier League, unchanged since Ten Hag's dismissal.
• Ruben Amorim's tenure has seen a 36% win rate across all competitions, the lowest for a permanent manager since WWII.
• The team has only scored two goals from open play in the first four matches of the season.
• Wayne Rooney has expressed concerns about the tactics and formation employed by Amorim.
• United's spending of approximately £250 million on new signings has not yielded the expected results.

Current State of Manchester United

As of early October 2023, Manchester United finds itself in a precarious position, sitting in 14th place in the Premier League after a disheartening start to the season. This marks a continuation of a downward trend that began under Erik ten Hag, who was dismissed last year when the team was also in 14th position. Since appointing Ruben Amorim, expectations were high for a turnaround, but the results have not matched the ambition.

Amorim's Challenges

Ruben Amorim, who previously found success with Sporting CP, has been unable to translate that success to Manchester United. Despite a significant investment of around £250 million in new players, the results have been disappointing. The team has struggled to score, managing only two goals from open play in their opening matches. This performance raises alarms, especially when considering their historical context—United's poorest league start since the early 1990s.

Wayne Rooney's Perspective

Wayne Rooney, Manchester United's all-time leading goalscorer, has voiced his frustrations regarding the team's direction under Amorim. On his podcast, he expressed that the team appears to have regressed since his appointment. Rooney noted that despite fans attempting to show support for Amorim, many left the recent Manchester derby against City before the final whistle due to dissatisfaction with the team's display.

Statistical Insights

Amorim's win rate, which stands at just 36% across all competitions, is alarming. This figure is the lowest for any permanent Manchester United manager since World War II. In the league, his record is even more concerning, with only 26% of matches resulting in a win. When comparing United's performance to other teams who have consistently been in the Premier League, they rank alongside Tottenham for the worst results since Amorim took charge, accumulating only 31 points from 31 games.

Tactical Missteps

One of the focal points of Rooney's critique revolves around Amorim's tactical choices, particularly his insistence on a 3-4-3 formation. Rooney noted that the reliance on two central midfielders often leaves the team exposed against opponents that field three. This tactical imbalance has led to defensive vulnerabilities, with players struggling to cover the necessary ground on the pitch.

Comparisons to Historical Performance

Historically, Manchester United has been a dominant force in English football. Under Sir Alex Ferguson, the team consistently competed at the highest levels, collecting numerous trophies. By contrast, the current squad's performance is reminiscent of relegation struggles, with Rooney pointing out that such a record could lead to relegation if the form continues.

What Lies Ahead for United?

Looking ahead, the question remains: can Ruben Amorim turn things around at Manchester United? The club's management must weigh the potential for improvement against the backdrop of poor performances. With the Premier League season still in its early stages, there is time for change, but the pressure is mounting for both Amorim and the players.

Future Considerations

Should the situation not improve, the club may need to reconsider its leadership and tactical approaches. With the transfer window closed and no immediate changes to the squad, the focus shifts to how Amorim can adapt his strategy to better utilise his players' strengths. The upcoming fixtures will be crucial for assessing whether United can start to climb the league table or if further turmoil lies ahead.

FAQs

What is Manchester United's current position in the Premier League?

As of October 2023, Manchester United is positioned 14th in the Premier League, the same position they were in when Erik ten Hag was sacked in October 2024.

How has Ruben Amorim's management impacted Manchester United?

Ruben Amorim's management has been marked by a poor win rate of 36% across all competitions, with many former players, including Wayne Rooney, expressing concerns about the team's tactical approach and overall performance.

What are the financial implications of recent player transfers for Manchester United?

Manchester United has spent approximately £250 million on new signings since Amorim took charge, but this investment has not yet resulted in improved performance on the pitch.

What tactical issues has Wayne Rooney highlighted regarding United's formation?

Wayne Rooney has pointed out that Amorim's 3-4-3 formation, relying on two central midfielders, leaves the team overpowered in midfield against teams with three central players, contributing to a lack of control in matches.

What will it take for Manchester United to improve their league standing?

Improvement in Manchester United's league standing will require tactical adjustments from Amorim, better performances from players, and possibly a reassessment of the management structure if results do not improve.

As Manchester United navigates these turbulent times, the focus remains on whether they can find a way to improve their performance and restore their former glory. The coming weeks will be critical in determining the future direction of the club. #ManchesterUnited #PremierLeague #RubenAmorim