Manchester United’s turbulent start to the 2025/26 season has raised serious concerns about the future of manager Ruben Amorim. The Red Devils have managed just one win in all competitions this season, and that solitary victory only came courtesy of a late penalty from captain Bruno Fernandes.
To make matters worse, United crashed out of the Carabao Cup in humiliating fashion at the hands of League Two side Grimsby Town, while their defeat in the Manchester derby against City further amplified the pressure on Amorim.
Since taking charge, the Portuguese tactician has struggled to reverse United’s decline. Winning only eight out of 31 Premier League matches is far from the standard expected at Old Trafford. Unsurprisingly, senior players within the squad are beginning to lose faith in his leadership.
The upcoming fixtures against Chelsea, Brentford, and Sunderland are seen as a decisive period that could determine Amorim’s future. Reports suggest that United’s board will hold discussions during the October international break to evaluate his position. Unless quick and drastic improvements are made, his tenure could be cut short.
Here are five crucial problems Ruben Amorim must fix immediately if he is to survive as Manchester United manager:
1. Settle the Goalkeeper Conundrum
One of United’s biggest weaknesses this season has been between the sticks. The loan departure of Andre Onana to Trabzonspor was supposed to provide clarity, but instead it has created more uncertainty.
Altay Bayindir, trusted as first-choice goalkeeper, has failed to deliver consistently. His handling and decision-making have left fans and pundits questioning whether he is truly capable of guarding United’s goal.
The alternative lies in Senne Lammens, the young Belgian shot-stopper whom United controversially signed instead of pursuing proven names such as Emiliano Martínez or Gianluigi Donnarumma. Amorim must now make a bold decision: stick with Bayindir or give Lammens a real opportunity to stake his claim.
2. Restore Balance in Midfield
Manchester United’s midfield has been a recurring headache. Amorim’s preference for a 3-4-3 formation, with Bruno Fernandes partnering either Casemiro or Manuel Ugarte, has failed to provide the control and creativity required at the highest level.
Fernandes, undoubtedly United’s most inventive player, has been shackled by defensive responsibilities, while Casemiro’s physical decline has become increasingly evident. Ugarte, meanwhile, has been inconsistent in both possession and positioning.
Promising youngster Kobbie Mainoo remains underutilized, despite showing glimpses of composure and intelligence beyond his years. For Amorim, finding the right midfield balance is non-negotiable. Without it, United will continue to lose control of games in the most crucial areas.
3. Embrace Tactical Flexibility
One of the biggest criticisms aimed at Ruben Amorim is his rigidity in tactics. Week after week, United line up with the same approach regardless of the opposition. Initially, fans were patient, acknowledging that a manager needs time to implement his philosophy. However, patience is wearing thin.
Club legend Paul Scholes has openly criticized Amorim’s predictable system, claiming Premier League coaches already know exactly how United will set up. In a league where adaptability is key, Amorim’s lack of flexibility has become a glaring weakness.
If he is to turn the tide, the Portuguese boss must show a willingness to switch formations, alter pressing triggers, and tailor strategies depending on the opposition.
4. Unlock Benjamin Šeško’s Potential
Much was expected when United signed Benjamin Šeško from RB Leipzig. The Slovenian striker arrived with a glowing reputation after scoring 21 goals in Germany last season. However, he has failed to find the net in his first five Premier League appearances, leading to growing doubts.
The issue, however, does not appear to be Šeško’s quality, but rather the lack of service he is receiving. Pundits like Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker have pointed out that the 21-year-old makes intelligent runs and consistently finds space, but United’s midfield and wingers have struggled to deliver him the ball in dangerous areas.
If Amorim wants his striker to thrive, he must restructure the attack to ensure Šeško gets the supply he needs—whether through more progressive midfield play or better wide support.
5. Rebuild Team Spirit and Unity
Beyond tactics and personnel, perhaps United’s biggest challenge lies in the dressing room. Questions have resurfaced about Bruno Fernandes’ leadership as captain. His emotional outbursts on the pitch often create a negative image and fuel perceptions of a divided squad.
The Red Devils desperately lack the collective spirit that once defined their greatest teams. Building unity will be difficult amid a congested fixture list, but Amorim must prioritize it. Team meetings, open communication, and a renewed emphasis on togetherness could help rekindle the sense of belonging that has been missing.
Without a strong dressing room culture, even the most tactical adjustments will fall short.
Manchester United find themselves at a crossroads. Ruben Amorim’s project has yet to inspire confidence, and with senior players losing belief, his position looks increasingly fragile.
If United are to salvage their season, they need immediate solutions. From resolving the goalkeeping issue to unlocking Šeško, and from tactical flexibility to restoring unity, Amorim has no margin for error.
The next three fixtures could well decide not only his future at Old Trafford but also the direction of Manchester United’s long-term project.
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