“Not Good Enough” – Amorim Acknowledges Underachievement at Manchester United

Manchester United’s head coach, Ruben Amorim, has expressed that the club’s recent performance falls short of expectations, attributing some of the criticism from former greats to this disappointing reality.

A Tough Road Ahead

As United prepares for their upcoming Premier League clash against Bournemouth, the team is aware that a win would maintain their position within the top six, a feat they have not accomplished since the conclusion of the 2023-24 season. This period was marked by a 4-0 defeat against Crystal Palace, prompting speculation about Erik ten Hag’s job security prior to their FA Cup triumph.

This achievement, if realized, would contrast sharply with the club’s glory days under Sir Alex Ferguson, during which they consistently finished in the top three post his inaugural title in 1993.

Doubts from the Past

Reflecting on the current situation, former player Paul Scholes shared his concerns on “The Good, The Bad & The Football” podcast, asserting that Amorim’s approach may not align with United’s traditional attacking style that emphasizes wingers.

In response to the ongoing criticism from legendary players, Amorim remarked, “It’s normal.” He acknowledged the underperformance of the team, stating, “We should have accumulated more points this season.” He indicated that while former players might not have complete insights into the current context, it’s difficult for them to watch the club struggle.

Amorim maintained that the scrutiny does not complicate his role as manager. “The issue is not winning,” he explained, “My performance as a manager hasn’t been satisfactory. The real dilemma is that Manchester United is not achieving the success it should.”

“I Just Want My Players Happy”

Addressing the challenges posed by younger squad members, Amorim pointed to their developmental status as a part of the ongoing hurdles in achieving desired results.

The club has been reticent about the availability of players such as Noussair Mazraoui, Bryan Mbeumo, and Amad Diallo for the upcoming fixture, mainly due to potential obligations for the Africa Cup of Nations. With Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire sidelined due to injuries, it is probable that inexperienced youngsters like 20-year-old Leny Yoro and 19-year-old Ayden Heaven will be thrust into vital defensive roles soon, which could be detrimental given their lack of experience.

Despite these factors, there is limited sympathy for Amorim, particularly regarding his management of midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who has yet to start in the Premier League this season but garnered significant support when he was introduced during the 4-1 victory against Wolves. Mainoo is contemplating a loan move for more playtime, a notion Amorim previously opposed, especially when the player had a deal with Serie A champions Napoli.

Amorim has yet to publicly address how he would react to a similar request now, although he expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue. “I would be pleased if Kobbie approached me about his situation. My priority is the happiness of my players,” he stated. He added, “I recognize each player’s individual goals, and frustration does not benefit anyone. I remain open to discussions, but I won’t compromise on my beliefs unless I see a reason to.”