Manchester United, a club with a storied history and legions of loyal fans, finds itself in turbulent waters early in the 2025-2026 Premier League campaign. The Red Devils have stumbled out of the gates, suffering a humbling 0-3 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield on September 15, 2025—a result that has only intensified scrutiny on manager Ruben Amorim and the club’s top brass. With just one win, one draw, and two losses in their opening four matches, United sits at a meager four points, marking their worst start since the 1992-1993 season. For a team accustomed to challenging for titles, this is unfamiliar and uncomfortable territory.
The defeat to Liverpool wasn’t just another loss—it was a statement about United’s current vulnerabilities. The match exposed defensive frailties and a lack of attacking sharpness, issues that have plagued the club throughout Amorim’s short tenure. Despite unleashing 12 shots, United failed to find the net, while Liverpool capitalized on their chances, with goals from Phil Foden and a brace from Erling Haaland sealing a comprehensive victory for the hosts. The Red Devils’ inability to control the game or respond to setbacks has left fans and pundits alike questioning the direction of the club.
Ruben Amorim, who took over the managerial reins from Erik ten Hag in November 2024, has struggled to implement his tactical philosophy. His preferred 3-4-2-1 formation has come under fire, particularly as United’s defense continues to leak goals and the attack sputters. Since his appointment, Amorim has overseen 31 league matches, recording only eight wins, seven draws, and a staggering sixteen losses—a win rate of just 25.8%. According to Sky Sports, "Amorim has left a dreadful record with eight wins in 31 league games. Even so, his position is not truly threatened at the moment."
Despite the mounting pressure, Amorim remains defiant. He told reporters after the Liverpool defeat, "My message to the fans is that I will give everything. I always think about what is best for the club and will always give my all. The message has always been the same. As long as I’m here, I’ll do my best. I really want to win games. I suffer more than the fans." He added, "I will not change. If I want to change my philosophy, I will. Otherwise, they should change the manager. I believe in my way and will play my way until I want to change." These words, echoed in both domestic and international media, reflect a manager unbowed by adversity but also one who recognizes the precariousness of his situation.
The club’s management convened on September 16, 2025, to discuss the team’s dismal start and chart a path forward. While some fans and stakeholders have called for drastic action, the board has opted for a more measured approach. According to the Manchester Evening News, "Amorim, despite the club’s worst start in 33 years, continues to have the support of United’s hierarchy. The club’s leadership does not plan to make immediate drastic changes but is focused on gradual improvement." The board believes that, despite external criticism, Amorim could still be the man to steer United back to glory—provided he can arrest the current slide.
It’s not as if United has been idle in the transfer market. The club spent approximately £25.32 million (about 42.57 billion won) to bolster the squad ahead of the new season, bringing in notable players like Bruno Fernandes, Mateusz Klich, and Diogo Dalot. United’s 31-man roster now includes eight defenders, seven midfielders, and a whopping sixteen attackers. Yet, even with these reinforcements, the team has managed just a single open-play goal in 360 minutes of league action. The lack of cohesion and defensive lapses have left supporters exasperated, but the club’s leadership remains steadfast in its commitment to Amorim’s long-term vision.
As the pressure mounts in Manchester, rumors swirl about Amorim’s future. Portuguese giants Benfica, where Amorim once starred as a player, are reportedly eyeing him as their next head coach. According to the Daily Mail, "Benfica’s leading presidential candidate, Joao Noronha Lopes, traveled to Manchester to watch Amorim’s team in action." Lopes, along with vice-presidential candidate Nuno Gomes and sporting director Pedro Pereira, was spotted in the stands at Anfield, fueling speculation that Amorim could soon be offered a lifeline back in his homeland. Nuno Gomes has already gone on record stating, "If I become president, Amorim will be our next manager. I can’t comment on his current situation at United, but I know that Amorim will one day lead Benfica."
The timing of any potential move remains uncertain, however. Benfica is set to hold presidential elections on October 25, 2025, and current manager Bruno Lage’s contract runs until the end of the season. Meanwhile, United’s board has been reluctant to make a mid-season change, especially given the financial implications of terminating Amorim’s four-year contract prematurely. The situation is further complicated by the fact that Amorim is still relatively new to the job and has been given assurances of support from the club’s hierarchy.
Despite the speculation, Amorim’s immediate focus remains on righting the ship at Old Trafford. United faces a crucial home fixture against Chelsea on September 21, a match that could well determine the manager’s short-term fate. Another defeat would likely intensify calls for his dismissal, both from within the club and among the fanbase. Yet, for now, the board continues to back its man, urging patience and emphasizing a long-term approach to rebuilding the squad.
United’s fans, for their part, have expressed disappointment but have not abandoned hope. The club’s history of resilience and ability to bounce back from adversity offers a glimmer of optimism. Senior players and the team captain are expected to play pivotal roles in galvanizing the squad and fostering unity in the dressing room. The management has outlined plans to strengthen the defense and improve team coordination, with an eye toward steady progress rather than quick fixes.
As the Premier League season unfolds, all eyes will be on Manchester United and Ruben Amorim. Will the Portuguese coach weather the storm and turn things around, or will he be lured back to Benfica for a new chapter in his managerial career? For now, the story remains unfinished, with United’s next match looming large and the future of one of football’s most iconic clubs hanging in the balance.
