Have Manchester United Turned a New Leaf After Nearly a Year of Struggles?

A Transformative Shift in Form

Ruben Amorim, the current coach of Manchester United, remains cautious amidst discussions regarding his team’s revival. Responding to a query about his players’ recent improvements, he commented, “You said it yourself, it has only been three weeks.”

Reflecting on Recent Matches

Let’s rewind to three weeks prior. United found themselves preparing for a match against Sunderland, a team that had recently triumphed over Chelsea and was thriving in a Champions League spot. Speculation was rife that Amorim could be in danger of losing his position if his squad faltered that day. However, club officials dismissed such rumors privately, and minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has since made similar assertions publicly.

United went on to secure a notable victory, reminiscent of their glory days under Sir Alex Ferguson. They not only defeated Sunderland but also claimed a historic win against Liverpool—marking their first victory at Anfield since 2016. Most recently, they prevailed against Brighton, who have had a history of defeating United.

After a prolonged period filled with negativity, Amorim is now steering his squad toward positive outcomes. By the conclusion of their 4-2 victory over Brighton, United had climbed into fourth place with a positive goal differential. These developments indicate a significant turnaround.

A Word of Caution

Nonetheless, Amorim urges tempered optimism. “Our team is certainly playing better than it did at the beginning of this season compared to last,” he acknowledged. “But let’s remember, three weeks ago is not very long in football. Things can switch again in just another three weeks.”

Noteworthy Performances

Ratcliffe was in attendance at Old Trafford to witness this latest victory, marking only the second instance of United clinching three wins in succession under Amorim. Ignoring the start of the previous season and the end of the one preceding it, this is the first time United has secured three straight league wins since February 2024 under Erik ten Hag.

It’s unclear if Ratcliffe genuinely believes Amorim requires three years to truly demonstrate his worth or if he was simply giving the former Sporting Lisbon coach a chance to settle in. Nonetheless, he appears to be aligned with Amorim’s strategic vision, and the recent upturn in results could offer hope for frustrated fans.

“I’ve never felt embarrassed or questioned what I was doing or not achieving,” Amorim shared. “The real challenge lies in connecting with the fans. Acknowledging their impatience is crucial. I know I must seize this moment, as circumstances in football can change rapidly.”

Analyzing Recent Changes

Amorim’s insights highlight the tangible improvements United has exhibited over their past few matches. Victories against Sunderland and Brighton, both of whom recently triumphed over Chelsea, position United in an advantageous light.

With marquee signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo adding purpose and dynamism to the squad, the team’s attacking capabilities have notably improved. Both players found the back of the net in their latest match, signaling a promising future, with Cunha scoring for the first time this season, and Mbeumo boosting his tally to five.

Amorim praised both players for their contributions. “Matheus thrives under pressure and embraces responsibility,” he commented. “Bryan is relentless in his work ethic and has forged a solid connection with Amad [Diallo].”

Finding Stability in Goal

The recent addition of goalkeeper Sanne Lammens has also been beneficial for the team. Though he may not fit the traditional mold, he exudes a calm presence that contrasts sharply with his predecessors, Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir.

Matthijs de Ligt has emerged as a defensive leader despite not being formally recognized as one, while Bruno Fernandes, though quieter in the last match, nearly marked his 300th appearance with a goal denied by an exceptional save from Brighton’s keeper.

Casemiro, with a goal and an assist, continues to cement his value to the squad. Amorim highlighted the Brazilian’s journey back to form, emphasizing how quickly dynamics can shift in football.

Looking Ahead

Despite earlier setbacks, such as their early EFL Cup exit, many now see it as an advantage, especially with no European distractions this season. With a favorable schedule ahead, including only one home game in 50 days, United has a unique opportunity to capitalize on their momentum.

Ratcliffe has not commented directly on the recent revitalization, but the positive trajectory must offer some satisfaction regarding his significant financial investment in the club.

While there is much work ahead, the feeling among supporters is that United might just be on the verge of something promising. In addition to the first team’s resurgence, the club’s academy continues to shine, recently notching their seventh win of the season, maintaining a perfect record in their league, with summer signee Diego Leon also contributing positively.

In this moment of optimism, it’s critical for Manchester United to harness their current form and navigate the challenges ahead with confidence.