Ruben Amorim has taken the reins at Manchester United amid turmoil, and the pressure is mounting as the team struggles to find form. Following the departure of Erik ten Hag, Amorim has inherited a squad known for its disappointing performance, with the team having lost six of their last eight matches prior to their big clash against Liverpool at Anfield.
With United languishing at 14th place in the Premier League and only six points clear of the relegation zone, expectations are high for Amorim to instill change quickly. The Red Devils' recent form has raised alarms about the possibility of relegation, marking one of the worst starts for any manager at the club since 1932. Ruben Amorim acknowledge this, stressing the club needs to 'suffer', 'survive', and ride the 'storm' as significant changes are required to reshape the team.
One glaring absence is forward Marcus Rashford, who is sidelined for the sixth consecutive match due to illness. Rashford’s impactful history against Liverpool, where he has scored more times against them than any other club, makes this absence particularly troubling for United as they prepare to face one of Europe’s most formidable squads.
Speaking to the press, Amorim indicated the need for leaders within his squad to boost morale, stating, "We need the leaders to step up to help the other guys and I'm the most responsible person here to improve the performances," according to the BBC. His comments to Sky Sports painted the picture of necessary transformation: "We have to focus on the little things, the basic things to start the game in a different way to help us to play the game. We need to build a team, to be a team." This statement reflects his desire for cohesion and collective effort as he seeks to navigate through testing times.
Despite these challenges, Amorim's tactical preference for the 3-4-3 formation has brought about discussions around personnel decisions. His critics point out the team's struggles to adapt to this system, bringing about inconsistent performances across matches. Comparisons to Ten Hag's final games reveal Amorim has overseen similar problems with cohesion and scoring, as the Red Devils find themselves with lower expected goals (xG) rates than under their previous manager.
Statistically, United has had marginal improvements under Amorim, boasting 58.72% possession compared to Ten Hag’s 53.91%. Yet, the struggles with both attack and defense remain alarming. Under Amorim’s management, the team has found it increasingly difficult to keep clean sheets, with only one achieved during his first eleven games, indicating vulnerabilities much akin to those found at the end of Ten Hag's tenure.
With regard to transfers, Amorim has been coy about activity but did not rule out potential signings, hinting, "When the window is open, we can try to do something and we will try to do something." The recent past has seen choices like the one to pass on signing Ben Chilwell from Chelsea—who is now deemed surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge—leaving some to question the decisions made by the club's hierarchies.
Despite the shakeup within the squad, there are growing concerns about the lack of enthusiasm among players. Reports indicate some players are perplexed by Rashford's treatment, raising questions about internal dynamics and player relationships. This atmosphere compounds the struggles faced by Amorim, as many key players, including Rashford, are now sidelined, making it difficult for him to find cohesion with his lineup.
United's long-standing decay since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson continues to rear its head, presenting Amorim with not only on-field challenges but also the task of reviving club morale. The club has been criticized for its inconsistent decision-making and past managerial choices, culminating in financial and performance-level setbacks. Many insiders believe this restructuring is overdue, and Amorim’s role as the architect of his team’s future is becoming increasingly pivotal.
At the heart of it all lies the stadium atmosphere as the club progresses. The club should channel the defiance referenced by Ferguson years ago, as Amorim needs to instill hope and belief within the squad. A key feature of United's identity has historically been resilience on the big stage, especially against rivals like Liverpool. Amid injuries, form issues, and player disputes, Amorim’s charge is to reclaim this narrative.
With each game bringing heightened scrutiny, the pressure is on Amorim. He faces Liverpool, with significant pressure to not just salvage points, but to restore faith among fans. With memories of previous humiliations firmly etched within the club's recent history, the upcoming match shapes up to be more than just another game; it’s potentially the crossroads for Amorim’s managerial legacy at Manchester United.