Ruben Amorim, manager of Manchester United, has signaled that he may need to resign if the club’s poor form continues into next season. After a 2-0 home loss to West Ham—who had not won in eight matches—Amorim expressed deep concerns about the club’s current situation. United’s struggle this season has been a marked departure from its historic dominance, with Amorim warning that the team is losing its identity as a top-tier club.
“We are losing our sense of greatness,” Amorim said. “We act like defeat at home no longer matters.” The Portuguese coach cautioned that if the players lose the fear of failure, it could be disastrous for the club’s future.
The Longest Winless Run in Years
Since January 26, Manchester United has managed only two victories, against relegated teams Ipswich and Leicester. This poor form has resulted in the club’s joint-longest Premier League winless streak of seven matches. The club now faces its worst league performance since the 1930–31 season, a year that saw United relegated from the top tier of English football.
On current form, United would only have earned 29 points from 42 matches, a shocking statistic that places them in 16th position, above only Tottenham and three relegated teams. Amorim has called on everyone connected to the club to reflect on the current situation.
A Deep-Rooted Cultural Crisis at Old Trafford
Amorim has been outspoken about the internal issues plaguing Manchester United. He dismissed the notion that the Europa League final, scheduled for May 21 in Bilbao, could offer a distraction from the team’s more pressing problems.
“The final isn’t the real problem,” Amorim stated. “Much more significant concerns lie at the core of our institution.” The manager’s criticism extends to the team’s mentality and internal culture, which he believes need an urgent overhaul.
“I include myself in this reflection,” Amorim admitted. “We must examine the club’s culture and the team’s mindset. This moment is historically decisive for Manchester United, and if the situation persists, new leadership should step in.”
Embarrassment and Urgent Need for Change
The magnitude of Manchester United’s crisis cannot be overstated. This season, the club has lost 17 Premier League matches, more than any season since 1973–74. At home, they have suffered nine defeats, matching the club’s worst-ever home record in league history. Furthermore, opponents have taken the lead at Old Trafford 12 times this season, setting a new negative record for the club.
Amorim expressed embarrassment over the team’s position, admitting, “It’s embarrassing.” Regardless of the result in the Europa League final, he believes a comprehensive transformation is necessary. He likened the required overhaul to the one Ralf Rangnick called for in 2021, following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s dismissal.
Amorim fears that without significant changes, his future at Manchester United may be in jeopardy.
The Europa League Final: A Secondary Concern
While the potential for Champions League qualification through a Europa League victory is vital to the club’s finances, Amorim remains focused on deeper issues within the club. Despite the possibility of a £100 million revenue boost from Champions League participation, Amorim is clear: “The final is the least of our problems.”
The club’s owners, including Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazer family, view qualification as essential to recouping over £370 million in losses through cost-cutting measures. However, Amorim maintains that qualifying for Europe is secondary to addressing the club’s systemic problems.
Lack of Urgency in Domestic Matches
Amorim has repeatedly criticized his players for lacking intensity in domestic league matches. He referenced the ongoing issue dating back to José Mourinho’s tenure, where players have been accused of applying themselves inconsistently.
“In Europa League matches, we show some urgency,” Amorim noted. “We somehow manage to pull through and win. In Premier League fixtures, we often lack focus. That’s difficult to understand and deeply troubling.”
This lack of urgency has plagued the club’s season and undermines their once-strong identity. Amorim warned that the attitude of accepting losses as normal at a club like Manchester United is both dangerous and alarming.
Criticism from Danny Murphy: Calls for Positivity
Former United midfielder Danny Murphy criticized Amorim’s tone, describing it as overly negative. “I get confused by his tone,” Murphy said. “Too much negativity comes through in his press conferences.” He suggested that Amorim should adopt a more constructive approach when speaking to the media, urging him to focus on preparing the squad for the future rather than dwelling on the team’s failures.
“There’s a final and a crucial transfer window ahead,” Murphy added. “That’s where the energy should go.”
The Summer Rebuild
Despite mounting pressure, Amorim remains resolute about the need for a cultural shift at Manchester United. The summer will be crucial for the club as they look to rebuild both on and off the pitch. For Amorim, the first step in this transformation is confronting the deep-rooted issues that have led to United’s crisis.
As the season draws to a close, Amorim’s future at Old Trafford will depend on whether the club can turn things around. The Europa League final, while important, is just one chapter in a much larger story about the future of Manchester United