Ruben Amorim is not hiding from the truth. At Manchester United, honesty can be brutal, and the head coach has chosen to meet it head-on. Under the bright lights and heavier shadows of Old Trafford’s history, Amorim admits both he and his team are falling short.
With United preparing for a pivotal Premier League clash against Bournemouth on Monday, the stakes are clear.
A win would keep them in the top six for a second consecutive week, a modest milestone that nevertheless underlines how far standards have slipped.
Incredibly, this would be the first time United have achieved such consistency since the closing weeks of the 2023–24 season, just before a damaging 4–0 defeat at Crystal Palace nearly ended Erik ten Hag’s reign before an unlikely FA Cup triumph.
For Amorim, even this small step forward comes with an uncomfortable caveat.
It pales in comparison to the golden era under Sir Alex Ferguson, when United never finished below third after lifting their first Premier League title in 1993. That towering benchmark continues to frame every debate, every criticism, and every question surrounding the current regime.
Former players have not held back. Paul Scholes, speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, questioned whether Amorim is “the right man” for the job, arguing his system clashes with United’s traditional use of wingers. Amorim, however, is unfazed by the noise.
“I think it’s normal,” he said. “It’s a fact that, as manager of Manchester United, we are underachieving. We should have more points—especially this season. I accept that naturally.”
He understands where the criticism comes from. Legends of the club see United through the lens of relentless success, and watching their former side stumble is painful. Yet Amorim is clear: the criticism itself is not the problem.
“Not winning is the issue,” he admitted bluntly. “I’m not doing good enough. That is also a fact. If you are winning, there is no issue.”
Amorim’s task has not been made easier by circumstance. Injuries to Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire mean teenage defenders Leny Yoro (20) and Ayden Heaven (19) are likely to be thrown into a demanding three-man defence in the coming weeks. It is a baptism of fire rather than a carefully managed development pathway.
Uncertainty also clouds the availability of Noussair Mazraoui, Bryan Mbeumo, and Amad Diallo due to potential Africa Cup of Nations commitments. United have remained tight-lipped, adding another layer of tension to Amorim’s team selection.
Yet patience for the manager is thin, particularly regarding his handling of Kobbie Mainoo.
The highly rated midfielder has yet to start a Premier League match this season, despite receiving a rapturous reception from travelling fans when he appeared in the emphatic 4–1 win at Wolves.
Mainoo, eager for regular football, is believed to be considering a loan move in January—a scenario Amorim resisted in the summer when Napoli came calling.
Amorim’s response is measured, even empathetic. He refuses to speculate publicly on how he would react to another loan request but makes one thing clear: dialogue matters.
“I would be really pleased if Kobbie comes to talk to me,” he said. “I just want my players happy. I understand everyone has their goals, and frustration doesn’t help anybody.”
Firm in his principles yet open in communication, Amorim insists he will listen—even if he ultimately sticks to his convictions.
“I have my ideas, and I won’t change them if I don’t believe it,” he said. “But I’m open to speak with any player. I love that.”
For now, Amorim stands exposed between past glory and present reality—owning the shortcomings, accepting the criticism, and knowing that at Manchester United, only victories truly silence the debate.
