It has been a tumultuous season for Manchester United, and fans are left wondering when, or if, the historic club will regain its footing. Since Head Coach Erik ten Hag’s departure in November, United’s performance has plummeted, scoring only 11 points in 11 games under new manager Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese coach’s incendiary remark that this might be “the worst team in the club’s 147-year history” has only added fuel to the fire of public criticism.
United’s decline stems from a combination of factors. While the managerial transition has disrupted the team, deeper systemic issues have been brewing for years. The squad’s imbalances are a major issue. The over-reliance on aging stars like Carlos Casemiro and Christian Eriksen, combined with the underperformance of big-money signings such as Jadon Sancho and Antony Matheus dos Santos, has left the team lacking cohesion. To make matters worse, key players such as Lisandro Martínez and Luke Shaw have missed significant game time due to injuries, exposing vulnerabilities in the back line.
Under ten Hag, United had a clear, possession-based style of play. Amorim, however, has disrupted this continuity. Known for his high-pressing style at Sporting CP in Lisbon, Portugal, Amorim has struggled to implement his philosophy at Old Trafford. As a result, the team finds itself caught between two tactical paradigms, lacking cohesion both in attack and defense.
The Glazer family’s controversial ownership of Manchester United also continues to cast a long shadow on the program. Fans blame the owners for underinvesting in infrastructure and lacking a coherent long-term vision. Off-field controversies, such as the handling of Mason Greenwood’s investigations and repeated failures in the transfer market, have only added to the turmoil. Protests against the Glazers have intensified, further highlighting the disconnect between the club and its supporters.
Manchester United’s current standing in the Premier League table is a stark reminder of their struggles. The team’s inability to compete against top opposition, combined with humiliating losses to mid-table teams like Crystal Palace, have left fans frustrated and disillusioned. The statistics tell an even bleaker story: only 15 goals scored and 20 conceded in 11 matches.
Despite the challenges, there are glimmers of hope. Young talents such as Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo have shown promise, offering a glimpse of a brighter future if properly developed. Additionally, reports suggest that the club’s scouting department is eyeing reinforcements in the January transfer window, particularly in the midfield and defense.
Amorim’s track record at Sporting CP also demonstrates his potential as a tactician, and if given the time and resources, he may guide United out of this crisis. However, the margin for error is slim, and fans’ patience is wearing thin. United’s current woes highlight the challenges of modern football, where success demands synergy between the boardroom, coaching staff and players. The current transfer window and the remainder of the season will be pivotal in determining the club’s trajectory.
For now, fans are left to watch, hope and wait — a humbling position for a fanbase accustomed to glory. As Amorim stated after their most recent loss, United “can only go up from here.” Whether that climb starts now or much later remains to be seen.