Ruben Amorim's Mammoth Task Ahead at Manchester United
United's current standing—13th in the Premier League with 12 points—marks their worst start to a league campaign since 1986-87. With only nine goals in 10 matches, their attacking struggles are alarming, reminiscent of their 1973-74 season when they were relegated.
Ruben Amorim, soon to be Manchester United’s new manager, has a monumental job on his hands, and his Sunday viewing of United's 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Old Trafford likely reinforced that reality. Under interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, United showed effort but little quality, highlighting deep issues that Amorim will need to address when he takes over.
United's current standing—13th in the Premier League with 12 points—marks their worst start to a league campaign since 1986-87. With only nine goals in 10 matches, their attacking struggles are alarming, reminiscent of their 1973-74 season when they were relegated. Amorim will inherit a squad that is short on inspiration, lacking cohesion, and hindered by poor recruitment, making it clear that significant work is needed.
Despite a penalty from Bruno Fernandes, United's attack was largely toothless against Chelsea, with Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho failing to deliver, and Rasmus Højlund offering little in the box. The team's inability to score in the first half of matches this season is concerning, with only two first-half goals, tied with Crystal Palace for the fewest in the league.
The squad is in need of a clear identity, unlike the cohesive Chelsea side under Enzo Maresca. Amorim will have to quickly assess the available talent, with goalkeeper André Onana and captain Fernandes likely to play key roles. However, the defense, particularly in a three-man system that Amorim is known for, lacks strong candidates. Players like Lisandro Martínez, who has shown lapses in discipline, and new signing Matthijs de Ligt have yet to impress.
The midfield, offering minimal protection to a vulnerable defense, is another area needing urgent reform. While youngsters like Højlund and Garnacho may show potential, Amorim will need a broader overhaul, starting with recruitment.
The dysfunction of United's recruitment strategy was highlighted by Chelsea's Moisés Caicedo, who scored the equalizer in the match. United passed up on signing Caicedo from Ecuador, allowing Brighton to secure him for £4.5m, only for Chelsea to pay £115m for him in 2023. In contrast, United’s spending has been wasteful, notably the £82m on Antony from Ajax, a move tied to former manager Erik ten Hag's influence.
Amorim will also face decisions about the future of van Nistelrooy, whose passionate celebrations of United's goal highlighted the complexities of his interim tenure. Should Amorim retain van Nistelrooy, a club legend, or establish his own backroom staff?
Ultimately, Amorim will need better players, improved recruitment, and time to rebuild a squad that has been underperforming for years. The challenge before him is immense, and Sunday’s draw underscored just how much work lies ahead when he steps into the role.
