Months into Ruben Amorim’s reign at Manchester United, things have not gone to plan.
The Portuguese tactician was expected to elevate the Red Devils, yet they head into the final Premier League match of the 2024-25 season sitting 16th in the table, far from where they ought to be.
United’s status as 20-time league champions will count for little this season, as their hopes of continental football were dashed following their UEFA Europa League final defeat.
The club had banked on beating Tottenham Hotspur at San Mamés in Bilbao, securing Champions League football through the back door. However, a 0-1 loss sealed their fate.
Amorim’s future: can he turn things around?
With the season coming to an end, United must focus on reshaping the squad in Amorim’s image and hope for a more vigorous campaign next year.
Calls for the Portuguese manager’s dismissal have surfaced, but as The People Person relayed, INEOS remain committed to him, and are prepared to grant him time to redeem himself.
The question remains: will Amorim succeed?
Sporting CP’s Maxi Araujo believes Amorim will turn things around at Old Trafford.
The midfielder, who worked under Amorim, described him as the best coach he has ever played for and predicted that he would replicate his Sporting CP heroics at United.
Araujo insists that a proper pre-season could be the key to unlocking Amorim’s tactical vision.
Reflecting on their time at Sporting, he recalled how the squad was so in sync that they could almost play with their eyes closed.
Araujo’s endorsement of Amorim
Speaking to A Bola, Araujo praised Amorim’s ability to connect with players, stating:
“I’ve never seen a coach capable of reaching out to a player so much. For me, he was one of the best coaches I’ve worked with, without a doubt.
“Actually, yes [Sporting played with their eyes closed]. I arrived on matchday five or six, and it was incredible to see how the team worked, how the players understood each other.
“I watch almost every Manchester United game, and I believe that now, with much more time, they’ll have a great pre-season to get off to the best possible start next year.”
INEOS must back Amorim in the transfer market
If INEOS needed reassurance that keeping Amorim was the right decision after the Europa League disappointment, Araujo’s words provided it.
United fans may also find hope in his comments, especially considering that questionable player performances have also contributed to United’s struggles.
While Amorim can coach, he cannot control his strikers missing clear-cut chances or goalkeepers Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir’s shaky performances.
Araujo’s remarks suggest that Amorim’s style will finally take hold at United with fewer fixtures and more training sessions.
However, optimism alone will not be enough. INEOS must back him in the transfer window.
If United are to rise again, next season must be about building a squad that truly reflects Amorim’s philosophy.
Feature image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images
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Daniel Onguko
Since Dan was introduced to Manchester United in 2008, he has lived and breathed the club. What started as being a fan evolved into writing about United, allowing him to feel part of their journey. Hopefully, his work might even help rekindle your love for the kings of Manchester.
