Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim, who arrived at Old Trafford just over a month ago, came with a strong reputation and high expectations. Many hoped the former Sporting CP boss would revive the club’s struggling fortunes. However, ten games into his tenure, Amorim has struggled to make a significant impact, especially when compared to other Portuguese managers in the Premier League.
Amorim’s record so far includes four wins, five losses, and one draw in all competitions. His team sits 14th in the league table, having suffered four defeats in their last five league matches. Compounding the issues, his captain Bruno Fernandes has been sent off three times this season, including during a 2-0 loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers. Defensive lapses have also plagued the team, with United conceding directly from a corner twice in their last three matches.
Further complicating matters is the ongoing tension with forward Marcus Rashford, whom Amorim has excluded from the squad for four consecutive matches. The challenges are mounting for the 39-year-old manager, and he has yet to deliver the so-called “new manager bounce.”
In contrast, Wolves’ Portuguese manager Vitor Pereira has enjoyed an immediate positive impact, winning both of his first two matches since taking over. Pereira’s debut home game was particularly memorable as Wolves defeated a 10-man Manchester United side, lifting the team out of the relegation zone.
Another Portuguese manager, Nuno Espirito Santo of Nottingham Forest, has also outshone Amorim. Forest achieved a historic 3-2 victory at Old Trafford, their first win there in nearly three decades. Under Espirito Santo, Forest now sit third in the league table, a position reminiscent of their glory days under Brian Clough.
Meanwhile, Fulham’s Marco Silva, another Portuguese coach, recently guided his team to a 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge—their first win at that ground since 1979. Fulham are currently in eighth place, just one point behind fifth-placed Newcastle.
While Amorim’s position is secure for now, given the €11 million release fee Manchester United paid to acquire him, he faces an uphill battle in the Premier League’s unforgiving environment. The current squad requires significant restructuring, and the upcoming summer transfer window will be crucial for laying the groundwork for future success.
Cristiano Ronaldo, a United legend and Amorim’s compatriot, has expressed his support for the manager but highlighted deeper systemic issues within the club. Speaking at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai, where he was honored as the Best Middle East Player of 2024, Ronaldo emphasized that the club’s problems extend beyond coaching changes. Using an analogy, he described Manchester United as a “sick aquarium,” suggesting that the broader organizational issues must be addressed to restore the club’s former glory.