Ruben Amorim, the manager of Manchester United, is under increasing pressure as his team continues to struggle for consistent performance. Following a disappointing 1-1 draw against West Ham United, Amorim acknowledged that he needs more time to build a successful squad, but he also understands the demands of a club that expects immediate results. “We know we need time,” Amorim stated last week, “but there is no time in this club.”
The challenges facing Amorim are multifaceted, a reality he often alludes to in press conferences. With a record of only 13 wins from 41 Premier League matches, the club’s supporters are growing restless. The upcoming match against Wolverhampton Wanderers on December 4, 2023, adds to the urgency. Wolves have yet to win a league game this season, raising concerns that United could be vulnerable to an upset.
Amorim’s position has become precarious as fans express dissatisfaction with his management. A defeat against a team currently at the bottom of the Premier League table could provoke heightened scrutiny and calls for his dismissal. He is aware that patience is a luxury he cannot afford, particularly given the club’s historical aspirations for success.
This summer, United invested approximately £200 million to revamp their forward line, bringing in players like Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko. However, the rest of the squad has seen little change since Amorim’s arrival, and he now relies on a core group of young talents, including Patrick Dorgu, Amad Diallo, and Leny Yoro. Despite their potential, these players are still developing and have shown inconsistency on the pitch.
In recent weeks, Amorim has described players like Sesko and Dorgu as “struggling,” highlighting the difficulties faced by the squad. The decision not to sign experienced players like Argentina’s FIFA World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez or England striker Ollie Watkins has been a point of contention, as both could have strengthened the team immediately. Instead, the club’s recruitment strategy has focused on younger prospects, which contrasts with the immediate success required in the Premier League.
Amorim remains committed to his vision, stating, “I think it’s clear it’s going to take time. Especially now in the Premier League when every other club is really prepared for everything. They are improving a lot.” His words reflect the reality of a league where competition is fierce, and expectations are high.
In the aftermath of the draw with West Ham, Amorim’s frustration was palpable during a tense post-match press conference. Veteran defender Diogo Dalot, who has been with the club for nearly eight years, articulated the internal pressures faced by the team. “I think we’ve shown this season that we can be a very good team and we can beat anybody,” he remarked. “But sometimes, it’s not just about football qualities. It has to be from inside.”
As Manchester United prepares for the critical fixture against Wolverhampton, the need for improvement is clear. Amorim’s system requires capable wing-backs, an area the team has yet to adequately address. The club’s decision to allocate most of their summer budget to attacking options has left the squad uneven, a situation that needs urgent rectification if they are to compete effectively.
Looking ahead, the management team is reportedly planning to strengthen the squad further, with potential signings like Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson on the horizon for next season. For now, however, Amorim must navigate the immediate challenges presented by the upcoming match against Wolves, aware that the outcome could have significant implications for his tenure at Old Trafford.
