What should MU do with Amorim now?

29/08/2025 12:05:00 GoalGuru

The historic defeat to Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup second round has pushed MU into a fresh crisis. The image of coach Ruben Amorim shrinking in the technical area, almost powerless as his players lost 12-11 on penalties, has become a symbol of the Red Devils’ tough times.

1. Amorim’s stubborn adherence to the 3-4-3 formation, which brought him success at Sporting Lisbon, is turning into a liability in the Premier League. This system, with 3 center-backs, 2 wing-backs, 2 central midfielders, 2 attacking midfielders, and a lone striker, is ill-suited to English football, where teams usually dominate midfield through speed and high intensity. The match against Grimsby clearly showed this: United were dominated in midfield, lacked creativity, and were easily exploited by their opponents.

High-profile signings like Benjamin Sesko (£74 million), Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo (£71 million) were expected to elevate the attack, but they have not lived up to expectations. At Grimsby, Cunha and Mbeumo missed penalties, while Sesko was unexpectedly chosen as the last penalty taker among the substitutes – a baffling choice. The midfield pairing of Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte failed to control the game, and the defense, with Andre Onana making mistakes on both goals conceded, exposed clear weaknesses.

Amorim must adapt by switching to formations like 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 to better utilize the wingers and strengthen midfield solidity. Persisting with the 3-4-3 could jeopardize his position, particularly since United have only won 17 out of 45 matches under his management, with a Premier League win rate of just 24.7% – the lowest since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.

2. The loss to Grimsby not only revealed tactical problems but also highlighted instability in the United squad. Young prospects such as Alejandro Garnacho, once seen as the club’s future, are now negotiating with Chelsea after being excluded from Amorim’s plans. Kobbie Mainoo, a product of United’s academy, also feels isolated and is willing to leave if a suitable offer comes. Losing these players due to tactical incompatibility is unacceptable.

MU supporters no longer want to witness an insecure Amorim like in the Grimsby defeat.

United must act swiftly before the transfer window closes on September 1st. A dynamic box-to-box midfielder with control and creativity is a top priority to strengthen the midfield. The goalkeeper position is also concerning, as Onana and Altay Bayindir continue to make errors. Although signing a new goalkeeper on short notice is unlikely, United need to reconsider Onana’s role after his costly mistakes against Grimsby. Retaining Mainoo and Garnacho and building the team around them would be a sensible move to ensure a long-term future.

3. The image of Amorim curled up in the technical area, unwilling to watch the penalty shootout, has cast doubt on his leadership. Compared to Steve McClaren’s helpless moment in the rain with England in 2007, this is an image no one wants from a United manager. Amorim repeatedly said, “my players spoke very loudly,” hinting at United’s lifeless and disorganized performance. This comment sparked controversy, with many fans accusing him of avoiding responsibility.

The pressure falls not only on Amorim but also on the board, including Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Omar Berrada, and Jason Wilcox, who backed him over candidates like Thomas Frank or Graham Potter. With a £200 million investment in the attack, they expected Amorim to deliver a breakthrough, but the current results are a poor run and uninspiring performances.

The upcoming match against Burnley this weekend will be Amorim’s opportunity to prove he deserves the trust. A victory is essential to appease the fans, but he must demonstrate greater strength and decisiveness rather than the lack of confidence shown at Grimsby.

Comment (0)