Man United have failed to win any of their opening three matches this season.
Manchester United have been down this road before.
After amassing one point from their opening two Premier League games, Ruben Amorim and his players must have travelled to Blundell Park to face Grimsby Town on Wednesday night confident of securing their first win of the new season against League Two opposition.
But just as Louis van Gaal did back in 2014, Amorim fell foul to a League Cup giant-killing. The scoreline on the Lincolnshire coast was not quite as harrowing as the 4-0 drubbing United experienced in their last second round appearance in the competition at the hands of MK Dons 11 years ago, but the inquest will require greater scrutiny.
Despite making eight changes to his starting line-up from the weekend's 1-1 draw with Fulham at Craven Cottage, Amorim still named an XI littered with international caps and talent.
United's front-three cost £147.9million before taking add-ons into account. By comparison, Grimsby's average weekly wage is reportedly just £1,809.
There can be no excuses for Amorim or his players after Wednesday night's horror show. The Reds were incredibly fortunate to take the tie to a penalty shootout after finding themselves 2-0 down at half-time, and Amorim admitted afterwards it would have been "so unfair" on Grimsby had his team scraped through.
For the first 75 minutes, United's performance was worse than the one that was served up by Van Gaal's Reds at Stadium MK 11 years ago. Facing League One opposition that night, the Dutchman named a mixture of youth and experience in his starting XI.
The one Amorim named at Blundell Park, with the exception of Tyler Fredricson at right-sided centre-back, was made up of first-team regulars.
United had a Champions League finalist between the posts, European Championship finalists in defence and midfield, and a striker at the top end of the pitch who could end up costing them north of £70m.
There was simply no excuse for the limp performance United served up. They were appalling.
After being appointed as Erik ten Hag's successor last November, no right-minded United supporter thought Amorim was going to be able to wave a magic wand and instantly turn things around. He inherited a messy situation and he was going to require time.
Less than a year into his tenure, it is fair to suggest he still needs time, but how much time can he be afforded? His trademark 3-4-2-1 system isn't working and United, either side of the summer break, have now won just four of their last 17 matches.
As much as it is seemingly trendy nowadays for some managers to prioritise style over results, football is all about winning. Right now, United are not winning anywhere near enough football matches.
Just like in 2014, United have failed to win their opening two league games, earning one point, and have crashed out of the League Cup at the second round stage to a side two or more divisions beneath them in the pyramid. Funnily enough, this weekend's opponent, Burnley, were next on the agenda after that infamous MK Dons defeat.
United travelled to Turf Moor to bring August to a close 11 years ago and drew 0-0. Failure to win at Old Trafford this weekend will only add to the pressure on Amorim's shoulders.
The transfer window will slam shut a little over 48 hours after Saturday's clash with the Clarets ends and United will be planning to make more additions before the 7pm cut-off.
Andre Onana's calamitous performance only reinforced United's need for a new goalkeeper. Their need for a midfielder is also well-documented.
However, as vital as it is to address those two weaknesses, United need to make serious improvements under Amorim. Supporters are becoming increasingly restless and Amorim's refusal to alter his ways is not helping matters.
Van Gaal led United to a top-four finish in 2014/15, but the competition was weaker then than it is now. Right now, United don't even look as though they are capable of mounting a top half finish for the second season running.
Cicekstuyz
0
That was his home club
Cicekstuyz
0
He wants to destroy MU with his funny style of playing please get him out before it is too late
Cicekstuyz
0
Please dismiss this Coach, He is not worth for job or he will sell all our goods and players
OneLove⚽️
0
I non fit dey explain to you as you take understand am take am like that
English please bro
Mitchello2
0
What debate?, there was never one bro. This has nothing to do with Pep so stop the crap about based on your logic. Every manager has the right to sign players for his playing style and didn't Amorim also sign players??? Pep has been there since 2016 and Amorim last year so imagine him there for 9 years also. Manchester United has always spent big buying players including Amorim and he still can't win a fourth-tier team.
I non fit dey explain to you as you take understand am take am like that
OneLove⚽️
0
Clearly you don't even understand the debate on ground. I'm responding to someone who said a good coach must adjust to the players he has by pointing out that pep didn't work with all the players at his disposal when he arrived at city because they did not fit his tactics and pattern of play. So next time before commenting try to understand the topic on ground okay.
What debate?, there was never one bro. This has nothing to do with Pep so stop the crap about based on your logic. Every manager has the right to sign players for his playing style and didn't Amorim also sign players??? Pep has been there since 2016 and Amorim last year so imagine him there for 9 years also. Manchester United has always spent big buying players including Amorim and he still can't win a fourth-tier team.
Mitchello2
0
A Chelsea fan talking about signing players🤔#£1.5 BILLION since Boehly took over may'22 and by the way still no EPL☝️while Pep was dominating and yes only his 2nd year without a trophy in EPL. Manchester United has great players because like any other big EPL team they splash the cash so they should beat the crap out of any fourth-tier team come on you're smarter than this. I'm not here to argue but facts bro✌️.
Clearly you don't even understand the debate on ground. I'm responding to someone who said a good coach must adjust to the players he has by pointing out that pep didn't work with all the players at his disposal when he arrived at city because they did not fit his tactics and pattern of play. So next time before commenting try to understand the topic on ground okay.
OneLove⚽️
0
By your logic pep isn't a great manager then because he has signed over 3 xi since he arrived at city
A Chelsea fan talking about signing players🤔#£1.5 BILLION since Boehly took over may'22 and by the way still no EPL☝️while Pep was dominating and yes only his 2nd year without a trophy in EPL. Manchester United has great players because like any other big EPL team they splash the cash so they should beat the crap out of any fourth-tier team come on you're smarter than this. I'm not here to argue but facts bro✌️.
Zahacirs
0
Ruben Amorin was a good coach in the Sporting Portuguese Premier League, but He's not good enough for the EPL. He'll be sacked in the middle of the season.
vuaabdipu
0
He was neve the right man They saw that he beated Pep, and they were like yep he's the right manager, which is so dumb from them
HBKdll
0
Man United is a really sad story.
Widbiltz
0
You be Mumu
thank you
Widbiltz
0
[Crylaugh] holy moly they never beat them!
I swear
Widbiltz
0
Amorim will go with Manchester United in championship and beyond
Amen
BobbySaGE
0
As it's from the beginning so shall it be to the end
[image]
You be Mumu
userdoesntexist
0
As it's from the beginning so shall it be to the end
[image]
[Crylaugh] holy moly they never beat them!
nuscdmopuy
1
Amorim will go with Manchester United in championship and beyond
Luzadkmruz
0
The_Alpha13
0
let's play a game without Bruno Fernandes and see what will happen I think Bruno is our problem
he tends to cry a lot but he is a vital part of the team. he makes things happen on his good days.
MoltenBoss
0
Please bring back the Special One to Man U.
niyadepz
0
let's play a game without Bruno Fernandes and see what will happen I think Bruno is our problem
you are one of those stupid fans that are causing downfall for this team, you guys are man united problem.. Bruno is the heart of the team
Erosado76
0
I won't lie, im looking forward to see what happens with United this season. Will they be better then 15th or worse. Im leaning about the same if not worse. Amorim won't last till Christmas. I still believe Mourinho could of ran this club right but nooooooooo. players got butt hurt cause they are tik tok stars basically and their feelings were hurt.
Widbiltz
2
As it's from the beginning so shall it be to the end
Widbiltz
1
Amorim is very stubborn... He should change formation simple
he shouldn't change it ooh,let him continue using it
Widbiltz
1
Let that history continue for decades
Ledbmtyz
1
let's play a game without Bruno Fernandes and see what will happen I think Bruno is our problem
u talks shit is it not without bruno they lost 2 :0 up in grimpys yesterday when they sub him is when the ball change
Tutu445
0
Manchester united is passing through end time that's why they can't win ordinary division two United need deliverance
Pembimuyz
0
Amorim is very stubborn... He should change formation simple
renaceknry
0
l solely blame the players, their mentality and concentration are too weak. irrespective of the formation a coach plays , the players being professionals should be up and doing. They have to look into themselves and know that they are not doing well. A coach is as good as his players. Amorin is not the problem, the players are.
Blame Bruno he can't keep quiet while playing
renaceknry
3
let's play a game without Bruno Fernandes and see what will happen I think Bruno is our problem
kmuguna
0
🤣🤣🤣🤣my dear don't forget how things turn.Today is Manchester United and tomorrow might hit your team again.
You have good evening players but the Amorim is letting you down. I respect man-u a lot
ArchangelRaphael
1
Sack Amorim please
Lekalnopru
0
What Man Utd fucking board member is doing were is keeper & midfielder
Botdelmnpr
1
MU problem is their arrogant stubborn managers who blame players for their failures. A great manager gets the best out of each player with lineup#formation#tactics and also when substituting players.
tell them
Feyacdilnz
0
Grimsby's av. weekly wage is 1,809 pounds per week! That's about what Rio 🐣 will be earning from Reds when he turns 17yrs tomorrow
🤣🤣🤣🤣my dear don't forget how things turn.Today is Manchester United and tomorrow might hit your team again.
Mitchello2
0
his fuqing system isn't working. he's not playing the players to their strengths
Oga wch fxxkin strength are you taking about here. The era where players play as they like is gone this is a new era built with structure and positioning
Mitchello2
0
MU problem is their arrogant stubborn managers who blame players for their failures. A great manager gets the best out of each player with lineup#formation#tactics and also when substituting players.
By your logic pep isn't a great manager then because he has signed over 3 xi since he arrived at city
Mitchello2
1
Utd biggest issue is the fan. Set more realistic expectation such as not being relegated instead of winning the title.
Finally someone with common sense. They don't realize they are not a big team anymore. Rather than support one coach to help them build up they are busy sacking them one after another. Soon no one will want to work with them again
Mitchello2
0
Der is no need to be saved da stats says it all e must be sacked
Okay na go ahead and do that as if that is the solution. How many managers have u sack now?
nauikmosy
0
Reuben Amorim is a capable coach, however, the primary issue is that those surrounding him wish to see him fail, resulting in him receiving misguided advice from poor advisors.
Utd biggest issue is the fan. Set more realistic expectation such as not being relegated instead of winning the title.
yecabcor
2
Der is no need to be saved da stats says it all e must be sacked
Jeclprsz
0
l solely blame the players, their mentality and concentration are too weak. irrespective of the formation a coach plays , the players being professionals should be up and doing. They have to look into themselves and know that they are not doing well. A coach is as good as his players. Amorin is not the problem, the players are.
who heads them when children misbehave in society, solely parents are blamed for not putting them right
Sibbdtyz
4
soon goodbye to Amaron
Foybeklnt
1
yeah the center table in his room 😄😄😄
🤣🤣🤣🤣😂
Ceaabcdmry
3
even that performance agains arsenaal didnt save him😂
JorgeJamaika
0
l solely blame the players, their mentality and concentration are too weak. irrespective of the formation a coach plays , the players being professionals should be up and doing. They have to look into themselves and know that they are not doing well. A coach is as good as his players. Amorin is not the problem, the players are.
Bro! Amorim is the problem b'se of his formation that's why the team is performing poorly.
pesimost
3
l solely blame the players, their mentality and concentration are too weak. irrespective of the formation a coach plays , the players being professionals should be up and doing. They have to look into themselves and know that they are not doing well. A coach is as good as his players. Amorin is not the problem, the players are.
Seddlnopu
4
How on earth you're selling Mainoo,Garnacho and don't want Rashford,Sancho other players than who the hell you want and I don't get it,Mainoo don't play and when he plays he does good on the field but still you want to sell him,this Coach is destroying Manchester United and he even forgot that there are injuries that can happen anytime and I just don't see any problem with Mainoo. Not even a year and you already want to sell the whole youngerstars that won for us FA Cup and Carabao Cup that you didn't even manage to win your first game...Amorim out please! You're not building,you're busy breaking Manchester United instead
SamSichalwe
1
Reuben Amorim is a capable coach, however, the primary issue is that those surrounding him wish to see him fail, resulting in him receiving misguided advice from poor advisors.
OneLove⚽️
1
MU problem is their arrogant stubborn managers who blame players for their failures. A great manager gets the best out of each player with lineup#formation#tactics and also when substituting players.