With more than £200 million spent in the summer transfer window, Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to give Ruben Amorim a full season to prove his ability with the players chosen by this strategist.
Despite the rumors, sources confirmed that Man United did not make a list of candidates to replace Amorim. INEOS aims at a long-term strategy in all decisions, from player recruitment, upgrading facilities to selecting coaching staff. Therefore, they will not have a hasty reaction just for a few failures.
However, the reality is that Amorim has yet to make a breakthrough. After an unconvincing victory over Chelsea, the "Red Devils" fell 1-3 to Brentford. sad statistics after 33 Premier League games under Amorim, Man United have only won 34 points and have never won back-to-back.
At Old Trafford and Carrington, there has been no official call for a change of coach. However, the decision is still in the hands of Sir Jim Ratcliffe. No matter how great his patience is, it cannot reach the limit. If things plummet further, a decision will be made.
Meanwhile, the club's legends have spoken out. Wayne Rooney frankly said he did not believe Ruben Amorim could turn the situation around. Gary Neville even said that it was the first time he felt that Man United players were really skeptical about the tactical system.
This is even more painful when looking at Crystal Palace. Under Oliver Glasner, this team is also loyal to the 3-4-2-1 formation, similar to what Ruben Amorim is applying. However, they have won the FA Cup, Community Shield and are currently third in the Premier League. Meanwhile, Man United are struggling in 14th place.
On Sky Sports, Jamie Carragher frankly commented: It is difficult for Amorim to get through the current period under this pressure. The problem is not just the result, from the beginning, it was a forced marriage. The 3-4-2-1 system has never been a tradition of Man United. They are used to playing fast, possessing wide wings and overwhelming their opponents".
The hottest point in criticism aimed at Amorim was the way he operated the system. The loss to Brentford was a clear demonstration, when he needed an equalizer, he changed the defensive structure up to 6 times in just 1 match.
Mason Mount was only introduced in the 81st minute but had to play in two different positions for a short period of time: "number 10" and left wing-back. Gary Neville called it "unforgivable" for Ruben Amorim to waste Mason Mount's talent.
No deadline has been set for Amorim, but the match against Sunderland this weekend at Old Trafford is a must- win. The failure in the context of a 2-week break could immediately force the Portuguese strategist to take the seat.
Ruben Amorim is steadfast in the 3-4-2-1 formation, considering it the spiritual child that helped him succeed at Sporting. However, it is this determination that makes many people question why Sir Jim Ratcliffe chose someone who pursues a philosophy that is not in keeping with the "Red Devils" tradition?
Ruben Amorim's future at Old Trafford is extremely fragile. Sir Jim Ratcliffe is patient, but that patience only lasts when there is hope for progress. Man United need results, need stability and need a clear identity. Otherwise, the Aorim project could end earlier than expected and the story of a mismatched marriage could become a new blemish in the turbulent history of the Old Trafford team.
