Amorim is merely a victim at MU

Amorim faces intense scrutiny after MU's disappointing streak, yet according to specialists, the Portuguese manager is just a victim of an underperforming team.

Manchester United continues to struggle under Ruben Amorim's leadership. Expected to revive the Red Devils upon his arrival at Old Trafford last November, the former Sporting CP coach has only secured 34 points from 33 Premier League matches, resulting in the club’s worst season in the Premier League era.

The recent 1-3 loss to Brentford marked their third defeat in six games, leaving Amorim’s side stuck in the lower half of the table. The atmosphere at Old Trafford has grown gloomy, with fans openly expressing their frustration.

However, former England player Glen Johnson considers Amorim more a “victim” than the main culprit. In an interview, Johnson argued that the root problem at Manchester United lies deeper in the squad’s quality: “They have changed too many managers, yet the situation hasn’t improved. The reality is the current squad isn’t strong enough to compete with the top teams. United’s defeats aren’t due to the coach but because this team lacks the necessary quality.”

Johnson candidly highlighted the decline of the Red Devils compared to their golden era: “The Manchester United of the past is gone. They used to instill fear across Europe, but now they are fragile and vulnerable. Even if Amorim is dismissed, the new coach will inherit the same squad, and the outcome will likely be the same.”

The former Chelsea and West Ham defender emphasized that no coach can reverse the current situation: “I feel sorry for Amorim, and I would feel the same for anyone who takes over. With the same group of players and repeated mistakes, no one can bring them back to their former glory.”

According to Johnson, the biggest weakness lies in the defense. He criticized the poor basic defensive skills: “Their defending is very poor. A big club cannot keep making such simple mistakes. Manchester United needs to return to the fundamentals, even down to basic football lessons.”

Statistics show Manchester United has conceded 13 goals in six matches under Amorim and has not kept a clean sheet since April. This weekend, they face Sunderland in a match once considered “easy,” but it could become another stumbling block if the Red Devils don’t change soon.