No Knee-Jerk Reaction as United Back Amorim Despite Torrid Campaign
In a season that’s delivered more questions than answers for Manchester United fans, one certainty has emerged ahead of the Europa League final: Ruben Amorim will remain in charge, regardless of the result in Bilbao.
After a dismal domestic campaign that sees United languishing in 16th place with just two games remaining, many might have expected the club’s hierarchy to pull the trigger. The Red Devils have endured one of their worst-ever Premier League seasons—statistically as bad as anything since their relegation in 1974—and yet, the message from the boardroom is one of patience, not panic.
Amorim’s Appointment and the Bigger Picture
When Ruben Amorim was appointed in November, few imagined just how deep the rot went. Following Erik ten Hag’s underwhelming tenure, Ruben Amorim arrived as one of Europe’s most promising young managers. His work at Sporting CP, where he delivered the club’s first league title in nearly two decades, had earned him a reputation as a tactical innovator, someone who could blend defensive structure with attacking verve.
But this isn’t Lisbon. This is Manchester United—a club still recovering from the post-Ferguson hangover and grappling with an identity crisis that no amount of press conferences or PR campaigns can fix. The job Ruben Amorim walked into was less about fine-tuning and more about full-scale reconstruction.
Public Pressure and Private Conversations
In recent weeks, Ruben Amorim hasn’t shied away from voicing his frustrations. After United’s humbling home defeat to West Ham, the Portuguese coach described the situation as “embarrassing.” In his post-match comments, he even hinted at the possibility of stepping away if real change wasn’t on the table.
“If the people in charge believe this club can return to where it belongs, we need to take action now—not in August,” he told reporters. “Otherwise, I’m not the right man to lead this.”
Those candid remarks sparked speculation of a mutual parting of ways. But internally, the mood is different. According to The Guardian, senior figures at the club still firmly believe in Ruben Amorim’s long-term vision. The consensus is that he has not yet had the chance to build a team in his own image—and until he does, judgment would be premature.
Squad Limitations and Tactical Misfit
Amorim’s preferred 3-4-2-1 system demands athleticism, positional intelligence, and wing-backs who can cover 60 yards with ease. United’s current squad, assembled across multiple managerial reigns, is ill-equipped to execute such a demanding style of play. From an aging midfield to inconsistent full-backs and underperforming attackers, the personnel simply doesn’t fit the blueprint.
The club is well aware of this mismatch. Sources close to Carrington say that summer recruitment will be shaped almost entirely around Ruben Amorim’s system. The goal is to avoid another season of tactical square pegs in round holes.
Transfer Plans Already Taking Shape
United’s transfer department has already begun working on targets that align with Ruben Amorim’s demands. The standout name is Matheus Cunha—the dynamic Wolves forward with a £62.5m release clause. Whether or not United win the Europa League, the club is confident that the Brazilian will make the switch to Old Trafford this summer.
Another player high on Ruben Amorim’s wishlist is Liam Delap, the 21-year-old Ipswich Town striker whose release clause sits at £30m. Delap is viewed as a long-term project, but one with the raw physical tools to thrive in Ruben Amorim’s pressing system.
Upgrades at both ends of the pitch are also expected. Ruben Amorim has requested reinforcements at goalkeeper and both wing-back positions. Meanwhile, a more robust midfield anchor could also be on the cards to relieve the burden on Casemiro, whose legs seem to have finally caught up with him.
Funds Tied to Player Sales?
Of course, much depends on United’s ability to offload fringe players. With the club’s finances under scrutiny—especially if Champions League revenue is missed again—the summer rebuild may require some departures.
Jadon Sancho, Antony, and even Marcus Rashford are among the names who could be moved on to raise funds. All three have failed to impress Ruben Amorim, and their exits could free up both squad space and wage budget.
There are even whispers of United being interested in Tyler Dibling from Southampton—a £100m-rated attacking midfielder whose potential could light up Old Trafford if developed properly. Whether that figure is accurate or mere tabloid inflation, the interest is a clear sign of the direction the club wants to take: young, tactically flexible, and hungry.
Europa League Final: Redemption or Distraction?
And so, attention now turns to the Europa League final. United face Tottenham Hotspur in a battle of two fallen giants. Spurs themselves have had a chaotic season, and for both clubs, lifting the trophy would provide more than just silverware—it would bring Champions League football and a much-needed morale boost.
But insiders say Ruben Amorim’s job does not depend on the result. Even in defeat, he’ll be given the keys to rebuild—something few United managers in recent memory have been afforded.
Still, Ruben Amorim wants the win. He knows how important it is to end a miserable domestic campaign on a high. And for a manager who speaks of standards, process, and pride, lifting a European trophy in his first season would be a statement of intent.
Final Thoughts: Backing or Burden?
Backing a manager after such a poor league campaign is a risk, especially in today’s results-driven culture. But maybe, just maybe, Manchester United are finally learning that short-term chaos demands long-term thinking.
Amorim may not be perfect, and there’s a mountain to climb. But if United are serious about building something sustainable, he deserves the chance to do it with tools that fit his trade.
If nothing else, the fact he’s still here—still fighting, still pushing for change—is a sign that this club might finally be ready to back a manager, not bury him.
