Manchester United finds itself at a significant crossroads as it grapples with underwhelming performances and managerial uncertainty following the appointment of Ruben Amorim. The former Sporting manager has commenced his tenure at Old Trafford on shaky ground, registering only five wins from his first ten games. This lackluster start has sparked concerns among fans and pundits alike, yet one notable figure has come forth to endorse Amorim: Cristiano Ronaldo.
While attending the Globe Soccer Awards, where he was recognized as the Best Middle East player of 2024 for his contributions to Al Nassr, Ronaldo underscored his faith in Amorim's ability to steer the beleaguered club back on track. “He (Amorim) did a fantastic job in Portugal with my (club) Sporting,” Ronaldo stated. “But the Premier League is a different beast, the most competitive league in the world.”
The former United forward acknowledged the hardships facing his compatriot. “I knew it would be tough and they will continue the storm,” he said, alluding to the club's ups and downs. Yet, he remains hopeful, declaring, “But the storm will finish and the sun will rise.”
Ronaldo's comments come as United languishes 14th in the Premier League, merely eight points clear of the relegation zone. His assessment highlighted the need for fundamental changes at the club's core, where he believes the issues extend beyond simply coaching. “I say this one year and half ago and I will continue to say, the problem is not the coaches,” he remarked. “It’s like the aquarium and you have the fish inside and it’s sick, and you take him out and fix the problem. If you put it back in the aquarium it will be sick again. This is the problem of Manchester United. It is the same.”
Looking at the situation, it’s evident the time is running out for Amorim to quell the storm. With public sentiment growing restless, one might wonder if he can do enough to secure his position. Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the club’s boyhood fan who now owns nearly 29 percent of United through his INEOS company, is exerting control over football operations, hoping to remedy the club's on-pitch issues. Yet, winning the FA Cup last season hasn't alleviated the team's struggles this season.
Now, the narrative turns to the club's youth, particularly to one of its bright spots, Amad Diallo, who has expressed his determination to make history at Manchester United. With the team having gained just seven points from Amorim's initial seven Premier League matches, Diallo's optimism emerges as a beacon of hope for the struggling side.
“We are part of the project, we have so many young players for this club, especially Garna (Alejandro Garnacho), Kobbie (Mainoo), Joshua (Zirkzee), Rasmus (Hojlund), me,” Diallo said. “We want to do our best every game. Sometimes it cannot work, but you can see on the pitch we are very focused to do our best for this club, because we want to bring back this club to the level it was before.”
Specifically, Diallo appreciates the guidance from seasoned players, remarking, “the most important thing is to listen to the old men, the old players, learn every day.” His recognition of teamwork and collaboration paints a promising picture for the future of the club amid its current trials.
Playing under Amorim’s new system, Diallo has exhibited versatility, adapting to different roles as needed. “Wherever the manager puts me I’m ready to fight for the team,” he stated, radiantly embodying the spirit of perseverance. “I just want to play, right wing, number 10, anywhere. I say to the manager if you need me as a ‘keeper I’m ready to do my best; I will fight for the team and for my team-mates.”
Despite the challenges facing Manchester United, the commitment shown by players like Diallo offers glimmers of hope. Their collective energy could be what the team needs to reestablish itself as one of the giants of English football. Yet, the club stands at a pivotal moment, and the urgency to address its challenges cannot be overstated. With all eyes on Amorim and the squad, the results on the pitch will determine the verify if the swamp of doubt can be transcended and if the winds of change truly herald the dawn of a new era at Old Trafford.
