All the positivity of Manchester United’s pre-season has been sucked out three games into the new campaign.
United have failed to register a win in their opening two Premier League fixtures and have been knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Grimsby Town. This is the first time the Red Devils have lost to a fourth-tier team in the competition.
In his post-match interview, Ruben Amorim refused to defend his players’ performance and instead made concerning comments, insisting “something has to change.”
Amorim’s methods being questioned at Man United
According to The Guardian, the United head coach is under “severe pressure” but at the moment, the club’s hierarchy have no plans to sack him.
However, there is a “sense at the club that if results do not turn his stubbornness may prompt him to walk away – possibly as early as next week during the international break – rather than change his methods.”
Much has been written about the follies of Amorim’s 3-4-3 formation that demands hyper-specialists in more or less every area of the pitch to click. It has also failed to get the best out of the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo.
Still, the ex-Sporting CP boss’s questionable tactical ideas couldn’t be the only reason behind his side’s dire showing at Grimsby.
It is claimed Amorim’s tactics and man-management are being “questioned by some” in the United dressing room and there is a feeling that he may “resign unless results pick up.”
The report further states: “There is also bemusement regarding his man-management approach, which is viewed by many players as well-meaning but sometimes counter-productive.”
Director of football Jason Wilcox is aware of the concerns and “may move to address” the situation.
Amorim asked to explain his comments
After the defeat, Amorim raised a few eyebrows by saying that his players “spoke really loud today what they want.”
Earlier today, Tom McDermott revealed that Ineos asked Amorim to explain his comments.
“Comment regarding the players speaking and his reference to the international break, were the two that caused most alarm,” said McDermott.
Many interpreted Amorim’s comments as him considering his future at Old Trafford. A failure to produce an encouraging result against Burnley over the weekend could further intensify speculation during the international break.
Featured image Juan Manuel Serrano Arce via Getty Images
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Vishal Singh
Vishal has worked in the football media industry for over six years, planning, writing, and editing content for several major outlets. Currently a writer at The Peoples Person, he covers Manchester United — a club he has been religiously following and supporting since 2012. Big fan of ball-playing centre-backs and Harry Maguire’s knee-slide celebration!
