Man Utd Under Ruben Amorim: Top 10 Lows That Defined His Tenure

Manchester United’s Ruben Amorim Era: A Painful Journey

Manchester United endured a turbulent period under Ruben Amorim, a tenure marked by underachievement and disillusionment. The Portuguese manager, who arrived with high expectations, ultimately left United in sixth place, just three points shy of a Champions League spot but a world away from the club’s lofty standards. This article explores the ten worst moments that came to define Man Utd’s struggles under Amorim.

Grimsby Shock: The Night United Hit Rock Bottom

Few results encapsulated United’s decline like the Carabao Cup second-round exit to League Two side Grimsby Town. Despite fielding senior stars such as Bruno Fernandes and Matthijs de Ligt, United scraped to penalties after trailing 2-0 and ultimately crashed out. Amorim’s inability to inspire his team was vividly displayed as he desperately shuffled tactics from the sidelines—a scene now symbolic of his reign.

Europa League Final Heartbreak

Last season’s run to the Europa League final offered hope but ended in disappointment. Against Tottenham in Bilbao, United dominated possession and chances but lost 1-0 to Spurs’ only shot on target. The defeat not only denied United silverware but also a coveted Champions League berth, amplifying the sense of missed opportunity.

Derby Demoralisation: City Expose United’s Weaknesses

September’s Manchester Derby against Pep Guardiola’s City provided another harsh lesson. Amorim’s men, above City in the table after three games, were dismantled 3-0. The defensive confusion and lack of attacking threat reignited criticisms of his tactical rigidity and frequent changes to the backline.

St. James’ Park Shambles

A 4-1 defeat to Newcastle in April underlined the team’s defensive frailties. Despite dropping goalkeeper Andre Onana, mistakes persisted, resulting in United’s lowest-ever Premier League points tally. Amorim offered no clear explanation, leaving fans and pundits frustrated.

FA Cup Exit Adds to Miseries

The FA Cup was supposed to provide solace after league woes. United’s elimination by Fulham on penalties at Old Trafford, following a shootout defeat after a 1-1 draw, signaled another gut-wrenching setback. By this point, Amorim had already lost 10 of his 24 games, a record far worse than his predecessor.

Tactical System Fails at Brentford

September’s 3-1 defeat to Brentford highlighted tactical confusion. Former City defender Micah Richards criticized Amorim’s system for leaving players unsure of their roles, resulting in individual errors and defensive chaos. Even captain Bruno Fernandes’ missed penalty couldn’t mask the deeper issues.

Three Consecutive Defeats Plunge United Into Crisis

A dramatic derby triumph over City was quickly forgotten as United suffered three straight defeats to Bournemouth, Wolves, and Newcastle without scoring. The slump left United 14th at the turn of the year, their worst position since 1989, and prompted Amorim to admit relegation was a “possibility.”

Amorim’s Harshest Self-Assessment

After a damaging loss to Brighton, Amorim labelled his team “maybe the worst in Manchester United history.” With only two wins in 10 league games, the manager’s public frustration mirrored the despair of the Old Trafford faithful.

Embarrassed by 10-Man Everton

A 1-0 home loss to Everton, who played over 77 minutes with ten men, exposed United’s lack of intensity and hunger. Amorim lamented his players’ inability to replicate even the fighting spirit shown by Everton’s dismissed midfielder.

Wolves Stalemate: A New Low at Old Trafford

Failing to beat a struggling Wolves side with an 11-game losing streak deepened the sense of crisis. Even with key absences, the lack of creativity and quality was apparent, with Amorim insisting better times were ahead—a promise that quickly faded.

Managerial Fallout and Final Frustrations

The end came swiftly after public criticism of the Old Trafford hierarchy and another disappointing draw at Leeds. Amorim departed with the lowest win ratio of any Manchester United manager in the Premier League era, at just 32%. His reign will be remembered for tactical stubbornness, disappointing results, and a disconnect with the club’s traditions.

Opinion: Where Did It Go Wrong for Amorim?

Ruben Amorim’s tenure at Manchester United demonstrates how even talented managers can struggle when rigid tactics and poor communication take hold. While there was clear progress in the league compared to the previous season, the continual lack of consistency, defensive confusion, and high-profile cup embarrassments proved costly. Ultimately, United’s identity was lost, and the club must now focus on rebuilding its foundations and regaining its winning mentality. For more analysis and updates, visit our homepage for more news.