After reviving the fortunes of Lisbon giants Sporting CP with Amorim reviving the ‘Lions’ fortunes by winning both the Taça da Liga and the Primeira Liga, ending the latter’s 19-year league title drought, the coach was heralded as a ‘white knight’ as he was appointed as Manchester United coach in November 2024.
Slow United start
The Portuguese’s start with the Old Trafford side was a slow burner as his side ended the 2024-25 season in 15th place with his team recording 7 wins, 7 draws, and 15 losses in his 29 Premier League matches in charge.
The Europa League offered a little salvation as his side reached the Bilbao final but lost out in a drab affair to Premier League rivals Tottenham with the result ensuring that there would be no European football for United in the 2025-26 campaign.
Many of the Old Trafford faithful were prepared to give the 40-year-old the benefit of the doubt for the poor 24-25 showing given that the Lisbon native had inherited a side lacking in quality in many departments.
This summer Amrim has drafted in the likes of Benjamin Sesko, winger Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, Patrick Dorgu and left-back Diego Leon to try and address the on-field issues but the result at Blundell Park in the EFL Cup on Wednesday night has seen patience in many quarters start to evaporate.
United trailed to Grimsby Town 2-0 at the break in the Carabao Cup second round and despite drawing level, the Premier League eventually lost on a dramatic penalty shoot-out.
In the opening Premier League games of the new season, United have failed to win any of their first three matches of the season, despite this significant investment in new players.
Amorim himself has made cryptic and apologetic statements, saying “something has to change” and that his players “spoke for him, really loud” with their performance, suggesting a disconnect or frustration with the squad.
Pundits like Wayne Rooney and Alan Shearer have publicly expressed concern and warned that pressure will become “overwhelming” if results don’t improve quickly. Fans are also reportedly restless and concerned about the direction of the team.
Some media outlets have pointed out that if results don’t improve, Amorim could have the worst win percentage of any Manchester United manager in nearly a century.