Ruben Amorim has openly admitted that David Moyes is outperforming him this season, as Manchester United prepares to face Everton. The upcoming fixture will see the sixth managerial appointment since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure take on the man who was first given the daunting task of replacing the legendary coach.

Moyes, who initially took over from Ferguson after a successful stint at Everton, was unable to complete a full season at Old Trafford. Over the past 11 years, the managerial role at United has proven to be immensely challenging, with multiple coaches struggling to leave a lasting impact.

This Saturday’s clash marks the first time since April 2014 that United will face Everton while trailing them in the Premier League standings. Coincidentally, that previous instance was also Moyes’ final game in charge of United. His return to Goodison Park in January highlights the stark contrast between the two clubs’ fortunes, as Everton’s decision to change managers has helped them steer clear of a relegation battle.

Since his return, Moyes has made an immediate impact, securing four victories in six league matches and elevating Everton above United in the table. In comparison, Amorim has managed just four league wins in 14 games since taking over at Old Trafford in November, a stark statistic that underlines the difference in managerial success.

When questioned about Moyes’ ability to inspire a turnaround at Everton compared to his own struggles at United, Amorim gave a blunt assessment of the situation.

“The simple fact is that David Moyes is doing a better job than me, it’s as straightforward as that,” Amorim admitted.

“Winning one or two games can build belief. The pressure levels are different. Credit must go to Everton’s players and especially to their coach. We need to follow their example.”

There have been reports suggesting that some Manchester United players are skeptical about Amorim’s methods. However, the Portuguese manager insists he hasn’t sensed any lack of belief during training sessions, even though the team’s difficulties are evident in competitive matches.

“I don’t see it in training. If you watch our games, you might get that impression, but I’m not concerned,” Amorim stated. “If the players have doubts, it’s my responsibility to change their perspective, and I believe I’m good at that.”

He emphasized that winning just one or two matches could shift the entire mood within the squad.

“If we win even one game, especially this next one against Everton, the atmosphere changes,” he continued. “Victory makes it much easier to remove doubts from players’ minds. My approach is to stay confident in our philosophy and focus on winning. If we do that, everything else falls into place.”

With pressure mounting at Old Trafford, Amorim will need a statement performance against Everton to regain momentum and silence the growing doubts around his tenure.

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.