Man Utd news: A look at how the Red Devils have fared under Ruben Amorim
While Manchester United have improved slightly under the tutelage of Ruben Amorim, many still wonder if the Portuguese is the right man for the job.
Since his much-anticipated arrival from Sporting CP, United's form has been decidedly inconsistent.
The team has suffered seven losses in 13 Premier League matches, leaving them a dismal 13th on the Premier League table and with a negative goal difference to boot.
Sports News Blitz writer George Russell takes a look at how the Red Devils have fared under their new manager.
Squad decisions
Amorim has, it must be said, not been shy to make bold decisions regarding the playing squad.
Most notably, he sanctioned the loan of star forward Marcus Rashford to Aston Villa in the January transfer window, citing challenges in aligning Rashford with his tactical approach.
The manager also emphasized the importance of punctuality and consistent effort in training, perhaps suggesting that Rashford did not meet his strict standards.
Based on the Englishman’s history in a United shirt, the decision to ship him out on loan is a statement of intent from the Portuguese tactician.
Moreover, should the loan stint go well, there is an option for Villa to make the move permanent for £40 million in the summer.
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Managerial leadership
Despite the team's overall struggles, Amorim remains confident in the support of United’s hierarchy, including co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
That said, the gaffer has acknowledged the current issues facing the squad, and he is focused on implementing a cohesive vision and restoring the club to its former glory.
“I will try to do everything to put this club in the place that it belongs,” Amorim recently stated.
A 2-1 home win against Leicester City in the FA Cup fourth round on Friday should help to boost morale and even lay a foundation for improvement in the latter half of the season.
In the end, that victory over Leicester – overseen themselves by former United player Ruud van Nistelrooy – could prove the spark that sends United where they need to go.
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On-field performances
United’s inconsistent form has been a significant concern for all involved.
The 3-1 home defeat to Brighton in January marked their sixth home league loss of the season, a downturn not seen since the 1893-94 campaign.
Reflecting on that record at the time, Amorim was candid: “We are the worst team maybe in the history of Manchester United.”
With the most recent league result being a 2-0 home loss to Crystal Palace, the season just keeps on getting worse and worse for Amorim’s charges.
And, unfortunately, the only answer to such problems is time.
As a manager starting off in a new country, it is difficult to make players work and perform the way you want them to right off the bat.
By giving Amorim two or three transfer windows, it should allow for the Portuguese to build his own team and hopefully implement a discernible style of play.
Really, though, only time will tell.
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