Is Ruben Amorim already on borrowed time at Old Trafford? After a shocking EFL Cup exit and a dismal start to the season, the pressure is mounting. We break down the urgent steps the Manchester United manager must take to salvage his reputation and avoid a truly historic low. Can he turn the tide?

Ruben Amorim finds himself at a critical juncture in his nascent Manchester United tenure, facing mounting pressure after a series of underwhelming performances and a dismal start to the season. The once-celebrated manager, renowned for his tactical prowess at Sporting Lisbon, appears to be grappling with the unique challenges of the Premier League, prompting urgent questions about his future and the direction of the club.

The recent EFL Cup exit at the hands of League Two side Grimsby Town served as a stark, humiliating reminder of the deep-seated issues plaguing the Red Devils. Amorim’s perceived lack of tactical flexibility, especially in critical moments, has drawn significant criticism. His steadfast adherence to a three-back formation, even when chasing goals against lower-league opposition, highlights a dogmatism that many believe is stifling United’s attacking potential.

A key area of concern has been the goalkeeping position, where Andre Onana’s struggles have been compounded by Amorim’s fluctuating confidence in the player. Dropping the Cameroon international for early league games indicates a managerial indecisiveness that undermines player morale and stability within the squad, a critical component for any club aiming for top-tier success.

Statistics paint a grim picture of Amorim’s impact thus far. With a Premier League win percentage of a dismal 24.7 per cent, his record falls short of any Manchester United manager since the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson. Such figures naturally fuel speculation and amplify the cries for immediate and decisive action from both the manager and the club’s hierarchy.

To navigate this precarious period, Amorim must first cultivate a mindset of unwavering self-belief and project it to his squad. His frequent public remarks about the team’s limitations risk creating a self-fulfilling prophecy of failure. A shift towards a more positive and empowering narrative is essential to galvanize his players and the fanbase.

Furthermore, tactical flexibility is not merely a desirable trait but a necessity in the cut-throat environment of English football. While his three-back system has brought past successes and suits the recent transfer strategy, Amorim must demonstrate a willingness to adapt formations and personnel to suit different opponents and in-game situations, rather than shoehorning attacking players into unfamiliar roles.

The Manchester United industrial complex demands a manager who can harness its immense power and global reach. Amorim must learn to leverage this unique advantage, not be overwhelmed by it. This includes understanding the expectations and traditions of the club, fostering a winning culture, and making shrewd decisions that resonate with the club’s storied history.

Ultimately, Ruben Amorim faces a monumental task to rescue his reputation and steer Manchester United back towards competitiveness. His immediate actions, particularly in demonstrating tactical acumen and projecting a winning mentality, will determine whether he can reverse this concerning trend and avoid being labeled as the club’s worst-ever manager. The path to redemption is challenging, but not impossible.