Talk about a tough week! Manchester United hit rock bottom with their Carabao Cup exit, and manager Ruben Amorim is back at Carrington at 7 AM trying to find answers. From struggling strikers to questionable keeping, what exactly needs fixing at Old Trafford? Find out the urgent issues piling up for the Red Devils!
The pressure is mounting on Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim following a series of disappointing results, culminating in a humbling Carabao Cup exit to Grimsby, which has sent shockwaves through the club and intensified scrutiny on the Portuguese boss.
Despite the club’s hierarchy, particularly Ineos, being keen to back Amorim after their previous managerial missteps, the clock is ticking. The swift return to Carrington by the manager at 7 AM after a 1 AM arrival from Grimsby underscores the critical need for immediate solutions as key fixtures, including a looming Manchester derby, draw near.
United’s offensive struggles have become alarmingly apparent, with the much-vaunted attacking investment failing to translate into consistent goal-scoring. The team’s inability to breach defenses, evident in their goalless draw against Arsenal and taking 75 minutes to score against Grimsby, highlights a severe lack of cohesion and clinical finishing in the final third.
Individual player performance has also been a significant concern, with new arrivals Cunha and Mbeumo notably missing crucial penalties in the Grimsby shootout. Amorim faces the challenge of ensuring these pivotal attacking players do not succumb to the immense pressure of playing for Manchester United, especially as Cunha has been a standout performer until now.
Furthermore, the persistent errors from goalkeeper Andre Onana continue to plague the team. His latest blunder against Grimsby has amplified calls for a change between the sticks, suggesting that a new elite goalkeeper might be a more pressing need for the club than a new striker, despite previous transfer priorities.
The curious case of striker Sesko also requires urgent attention. Valued at £74 million, his reluctance to take an early penalty in the shootout and his limited game time since arriving raise questions about his confidence and integration. Amorim must actively work to elevate Sesko’s status and ensure he feels like the central attacking figure United needs.
Underlying these individual and collective issues is a deeper tactical predicament. Despite Ruben Amorim’s celebrated philosophy that brought him success at Sporting Lisbon, the current Manchester United squad appears unable to fully grasp or consistently execute his strategic vision, leading to a disconnect between the manager’s ideals and on-field reality.
Addressing these multifaceted challenges immediately will be paramount for Amorim to alleviate the escalating pressure and steer Manchester United back towards a path of consistent performance and competitive football.