There are growing concerns within the Manchester United squad about Ruben Amorim’s coaching approach, with some players starting to lose trust in the Portuguese manager’s methods, a new report suggests. The criticism stems from the belief that recent victories have relied more on individual brilliance or sheer luck, rather than Amorim’s tactical system.

Currently sitting in 15th place in the Premier League, United’s struggles are evident, with the team experiencing a negative goal difference and suffering twelve defeats, including a 1-0 loss at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday. This marks their worst start to a season since 1973/74, the last time they endured such a dismal run, which ultimately led to relegation.

While United has seen some success in domestic cup competitions, with a FA Cup fifth-round tie against Fulham and a Europa League last-16 matchup on the horizon, injuries to key players Lisandro Martinez and Amad have further diminished their chances in these tournaments. Both players are expected to be sidelined for the remainder of the season.

Players Losing Confidence in Amorim’s System
So far this year, United has won five matches, drawn once, and lost three, but these victories have often come through individual moments of brilliance or a stroke of good fortune, particularly from Amad. This inconsistency in performance has led some players to question Amorim’s approach.

According to Chris Wheeler of the Daily Mail, a growing faction within the squad is beginning to lose faith in Amorim’s system, with many feeling that even when the team wins, it’s more due to individual quality than any tactical superiority. One source close to the dressing room revealed that players feel lucky after each victory, with the sentiment being, “We got away with one, but we might not be so fortunate next time.”

Previously, some United players had urged Amorim to consider adjusting his tactics, especially as they faced difficulties adapting to his favored 3-4-3 formation. However, Amorim has remained steadfast, refusing to abandon the system that brought him success in his career.

Amorim’s Refusal to Compromise
At the highest levels of football management, compromise can often lead to stagnation. This is a stance Amorim seems unwilling to adopt, much like other elite coaches before him. Pep Guardiola, for example, never wavered from his tactical philosophy when he arrived at Manchester City, and Jurgen Klopp did the same at Liverpool. These managers thrived because their clubs provided the necessary structure and support to allow their methods to succeed.

In contrast, the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era at Manchester United has been turbulent, with several managers struggling to implement their ideas, only to adapt or abandon their approaches in the face of mounting pressure. Erik ten Hag, for instance, faced similar challenges in adjusting his tactics to the squad’s strengths and weaknesses.

For Amorim, maintaining his system and philosophy seems non-negotiable. He is determined not to fall into the trap of compromising his principles, even as certain players within the squad are pushing for tactical changes in response to their difficulties on the pitch.

Since making a temporary switch to Real Betis during the January transfer window, Antony has wasted no time in making an impact. The Brazilian winger has already contributed three goals and an assist in just four matches, a stark contrast to his challenging stint at Manchester United.

Antony, who arrived at Old Trafford from Ajax in 2022 for a hefty £85 million fee, never truly found his rhythm in the Premier League. Across 96 appearances, he managed only 12 goals and five assists, failing to justify his price tag. With United looking to cut costs and offer him a fresh start, a loan move to Real Betis became the perfect opportunity.

Now thriving under the guidance of Manuel Pellegrini, Antony is rediscovering his best form. His recent standout performance included a goal and an assist in Betis’ commanding 3-0 victory over Real Sociedad in LaLiga. The winger credits his resurgence to his new environment, stating, “I wake up every day with a smile!”

Speaking to Betis TV, Antony emphasized how his happiness has translated into improved performances. “The most important thing is that I have found myself again,” he explained. “I am enjoying every moment, and when we are happy and content, things naturally fall into place. I have worked hard, both mentally and physically, to be at this level.”

Despite the evident contrast between his struggles at United and his current success in Spain, Antony remained diplomatic about his former club. “I had great moments in Manchester too. I won two titles and I am very grateful for that,” he acknowledged. However, he couldn’t help but highlight the stark difference in atmosphere. “Here, I feel at home. The people remind me of Brazil, and even the sunshine makes a difference. I’m truly happy here.”

While Antony is still under contract with Manchester United until June 2027, his revitalization at Real Betis raises questions about his long-term future. With his resurgence in Spain, it remains to be seen whether United will welcome him back with open arms or if a permanent move away is on the horizon.

Manchester United have invested heavily in their squad throughout the 2024/25 season, aiming to rebuild for both immediate success and long-term stability. However, despite the financial outlay, results on the pitch have been far from encouraging.

Sunday’s 1-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium marked their 12th Premier League defeat of the season, leaving them languishing in 15th place. With eight losses in their last 12 league matches, discussions about relegation—something once unthinkable for a club of United’s stature—have started to emerge.

Though they currently sit 12 points above the drop zone, the fact that relegation is even a topic of conversation highlights the club’s ongoing struggles. United are now on course for their worst-ever finish in the Premier League era, a sharp decline from their disappointing eighth-place finish last season, which had already drawn criticism.

Big Spending, Bigger Questions
Since last summer, Manchester United have spent over £200 million on six first-team signings, yet their performances have only deteriorated. This raises serious concerns about how such a significant investment in new players has failed to produce positive results.

The club brought in five new signings to suit the vision of former manager Erik ten Hag. However, his tenure was short-lived as he was sacked before the end of October. His replacement, Ruben Amorim, immediately sought to reshape the squad, introducing his signature 3-4-2-1 system.

Amorim’s tactical approach relies heavily on wing-backs for width and attacking support, making those positions among the most crucial in his setup. Recognizing a glaring weakness on the left flank, United addressed the issue in the January transfer window by signing Patrick Dorgu from Lecce for an initial fee of £25 million. The Danish wing-back was seen as the first key component in Amorim’s tactical overhaul, but additional reinforcements will be needed to bring his vision to life.

A Crucial Summer Transfer Window
With significant squad changes required, the upcoming summer transfer window is set to be one of United’s most pivotal in recent years. Reinforcements will be necessary in several areas, particularly in the striker position, as goal-scoring remains one of the team’s biggest weaknesses.

United opted not to sign a striker in January, instead prioritizing a major acquisition in the summer to strengthen their attack for the 2025/26 campaign. However, they have already made one move in preparation for next season.

The club has secured a deal to sign 17-year-old Paraguayan defender Diego Leon from Cerro Porteño for £3.3 million. The highly-rated youngster, who visited Old Trafford last month to finalize his move, will officially join United in the summer.

Investing in the Future
Since acquiring a minority stake in Manchester United last year, INEOS has emphasized scouting and securing young talent. Deals for promising prospects like Chido Obi and Sekou Kone highlight their commitment to long-term squad building.

Leon, much like Obi and Kone, is viewed as a player with first-team potential. Despite being just 17, he has already made 19 senior appearances for Cerro Porteño and is a regular at the international Under-20 level. On Sunday, he scored the winning goal in Paraguay’s 3-2 victory over Argentina’s Under-20s, marking his first goal at that level.

While it remains to be seen how Leon’s career at United will unfold, the club wasted no time in securing his services with a pre-contract agreement. Given their track record of developing young players, United are optimistic that he could establish himself as a future first-team regular.

A natural left-back, Leon arrives at a time when United have struggled in that position. Alongside Dorgu, he could provide a long-term solution to a problem that has plagued the team for years.

At an initial cost of just £3.3 million, this signing represents a relatively low-risk investment that could yield significant rewards. If Leon lives up to his potential, United may have pulled off an incredibly astute piece of business.