Ruben Amorim’s tenure as Manchester United manager has been far from smooth, with struggles taking a toll on him over the last seven weeks.
After replacing Erik ten Hag in mid-November, Amorim enjoyed a brief honeymoon period. However, the initial momentum quickly dissipated.
United now find themselves 14th in the Premier League after four consecutive defeats and six losses in their last eight matches.
Following a 4-0 victory over Everton in December, Amorim had warned that “the storm will come,” and his prediction proved accurate. United’s recent three league games ended in defeat, conceding seven goals without reply.
Adding to the pressure, United suffered a 2-0 loss to Newcastle earlier this week, with their midfield, missing suspended players Manuel Ugarte and Bruno Fernandes, completely outplayed.
Amorim admitted to feeling the weight of the team’s poor performances, mirroring Pep Guardiola’s struggles with stress during Manchester City’s difficult spell.
With his family now in England, Amorim finds some solace but acknowledges the challenges remain. “You can see it in my face,” he joked. “I knew this would be tough, but it’s harder when the team isn’t performing.”
United’s players, Amorim noted, are visibly anxious and sometimes fearful on the pitch. He called on the team’s leaders to step up and guide the squad through this rough patch. Despite their efforts, the team’s confidence seems shaken.
As Mohamed Salah and Liverpool prepare to face United at Anfield, the pressure mounts. Amorim has even discussed the unthinkable—relegation—as a wake-up call for his players.
“I know it’s not something people want to hear, but we must face reality,” Amorim said. “We are Manchester United, and while this situation isn’t acceptable, we must focus on improving.”
United’s season hangs in the balance, and the upcoming matches will test both the team’s resilience and Amorim’s ability to navigate through the storm he warned of.