These are tough days for Rúben Amorim's Manchester United. The negative statistics piled up after the Boxing Day loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers (2-0). For Erik ten Hag, this was good news, as he is no longer associated with a negative record. On Monday night, they face a red-hot Newcastle United.
Manchester United's loss to Wolves marked their fifth defeat in the first ten official matches under Rúben Amorim, a start that no manager at the club has endured in over 80 years.
The last time this occurred was in 1932, under the stewardship of Walter Crickmer. Since then, every United manager managed to avoid such a troubling record until Amorim’s challenging start. The pressure is mounting as expectations for quick improvements loom large at Old Trafford.
Focusing on Premier League performances, Amorim’s struggles are even more evident. The Portuguese manager has set an unwanted record as the fastest to suffer four defeats in the league, achieving this dubious milestone in just his first seven matches. This surpasses the previous record held by Erik ten Hag, who endured four losses in his opening 13 league fixtures as United’s manager. Amorim’s tenure has not only raised questions about tactics and squad cohesion but also placed the team near the bottom of several key statistical measures. Since Amorim’s appointment, only Southampton has suffered more defeats across all competitions, highlighting United's worrying trajectory.
Corners and Red Cards: Mounting Concerns
Defensive frailties have become a recurring theme, particularly from set pieces. Wolves capitalized on United’s vulnerability from corners during Thursday’s encounter, further exposing a glaring weakness. No other team in the Premier League has conceded more goals from corners this season than Manchester United. Under Amorim’s management, they have now allowed nine goals from such situations, placing them level with Wolves at the bottom of this defensive metric. These lapses are not just costly in terms of goals but also indicative of deeper organizational issues within the squad.
Discipline has also been a significant concern, with red cards becoming an alarming trend. Bruno Fernandes, United’s captain and one of their most influential players, received his third red card of the season against Wolves. This matches a negative club record last seen in the 2008/09 season, when Nemanja Vidic was sent off three times. However, Fernandes has reached this unwanted milestone with only half the season completed, raising questions about the team’s temperament and decision-making on the pitch. His absence in crucial moments has further compounded United’s struggles, leaving Amorim with fewer options during critical games.
Looking Ahead: A Critical Period
As Manchester United prepares to face Newcastle United on Monday night, the challenges show no signs of easing. Newcastle is in blistering form and presents a formidable opponent, particularly given United’s current state. For Amorim, the match represents both a test of his tactical acumen and an opportunity to rally a team that appears to be low on confidence and cohesion.
The road ahead is daunting, with fans and analysts alike questioning whether Amorim can reverse the tide and restore Manchester United to their former glory. With key areas like defensive organization, discipline, and overall strategy under scrutiny, the coming weeks will likely define his tenure at Old Trafford. Failure to address these issues could see Amorim’s reign become one of the shortest in the club’s modern history.
