MU must immediately dismiss Ruben Amorim for three reasons

Coach Ruben Amorim is under growing pressure following MU’s 1-3 defeat against Brentford. This was a terrible loss for the Red Devils, and it might be time for MU’s leadership to take firm and resolute action. If they delay, these are three reasons why Sir Jim Ratcliffe must fire Amorim without delay.

1. Poor performance record

Amorim has had a disastrous start at Old Trafford, whether considering last season or the current 2025/26 campaign. Last season, Manchester United finished 15th with the lowest points tally in the Premier League era. Furthermore, they missed out on the 2025/26 Champions League spot after losing to Tottenham in the 2024/25 Europa League final. Yet, MU’s management still trusted and strengthened the squad for Amorim.

However, the situation hasn’t improved so far. MU only competes domestically but was quickly knocked out of the League Cup and has been seriously inconsistent in the Premier League. Since taking charge, Amorim has managed 33 Premier League games, winning 9, drawing 7, and losing 17. The team scored 39 goals but conceded 53, with a goal difference of -14. His win rate stands at just 27.2%, while the loss rate is 51.5%.

This equates to 34 points out of a possible 99, averaging only 1.03 points per game, which is not commensurate with the salary and the large compensation MU paid to break Amorim’s contract with Sporting Lisbon. According to Opta, Amorim’s 1.03 points per game is worse than what Paul Lambert, Gareth Southgate, or Chris Hughton achieved in this competition.

Comparing within MU, Amorim’s record is far behind post-Sir Alex Ferguson managers: David Moyes averaged 1.67 points per game; Louis van Gaal 1.78; Jose Mourinho 1.89; Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 1.84; Ralf Rangnick 1.54; and Erik ten Hag 1.78.

Formation and team selection

The defeat to Brentford has further fueled doubts about the rigid 3-4-2-1 system Amorim insists on using. Many players clearly struggle to adapt, especially those accustomed to traditional 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 formations.

The biggest problem with this system is that the central midfield duo is often overwhelmed when opponents deploy three midfielders, as Brentford exploited thoroughly. To be precise, as Amorim admitted, he lacks sufficient personnel in this area, making it difficult to field a central midfield pair capable of executing the tactical plan effectively. But if that is the case, why would Amorim risk being sacked instead of changing tactics, switching formations, and giving more players opportunities? That approach would be self-sabotage. Moreover, Amorim’s tone increasingly seems more defiant than open and receptive to feedback.

Amorim’s personnel decisions are also controversial. Altay Bayindir continues as first-choice goalkeeper despite poor form, even though Senne Lammens joined on the last day of the 2025 summer transfer window and Tom Heaton remains a safer option. If Amorim believes Altay is performing well, why spend money on Lammens only to claim he hasn’t fully adapted or become familiar yet? After nearly a month at the club, it’s hard to believe Lammens doesn’t understand what Amorim expects or how he should perform.

Despite lacking midfield options, Amorim has overlooked Kobbie Mainoo, who was a key player under Erik ten Hag. The young English star has been sidelined, starting only once in the League Cup and making four substitute appearances in the Premier League. Amorim prefers Ugarte—a hard tackler but lacking stamina and physicality—or an inconsistent, aging Casemiro. This raises the risk that Mainoo could leave, especially with interest from Man City, Chelsea, and Newcastle.

Failing to maximize players’ potential

Besides tactical issues, Coach Ruben Amorim is also criticized for failing to unlock the full potential of his star players. His stubbornness sometimes causes players to doubt their own abilities.

Bruno Fernandes, regarded as one of the world’s top “number 10” players, has been frequently deployed as a central midfielder this season. Instantly, he has shown poor performance playing as a "number 6" or "number 8." Consequently, he lost form and even missed a crucial penalty against Brentford. Statistics show Fernandes made more clearances (4) than key passes (1), touched the ball only once inside the opponent’s box, and had a passing accuracy of 78%. In other words, Amorim is forcing a creative player to become a defensive “worker.” This is a mismanagement of personnel and a self-imposed difficulty.

In the recent summer transfer window, Manchester United spent £200 million to bring in a new attacking trio: Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko, and Matheus Cunha. All three were expected to shine, but after six rounds, Mbeumo has 2 goals, Sesko 1, and Cunha none. Overall, MU’s attack is only somewhat better than last year, but it cannot yet be considered genuinely improved. These stats highlight their underperformance compared to their previous clubs last season.

Once again, this raises the question: was Amorim a tactical genius only at Sporting Lisbon, or was he just lucky there? A coach with true skill in player assessment and tactical flexibility wouldn’t force players into a single rigid formation or style like Amorim does.

MU’s management has remained silent and observant so far. They have likely noticed the issues and know what to do. But whatever happens, MU must act quickly. Looking broadly, can MU find anyone better than Amorim right now? And if so, would that person truly be capable of helping them overcome difficulties and progress, or would it just be more of the same?

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