Manchester United’s recent 2-1 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford has reignited a storm of criticism, not just from pundits and fans, but within the club’s own hierarchy. What was supposed to be the start of a new era under Portuguese manager Ruben Amorim has quickly spiraled into a crisis. The Red Devils’ performances have been disjointed, inconsistent, and far below the standards expected of one of Europe’s most prestigious clubs.
As pressure mounts on Amorim, a closer look at the statistics behind United’s 2024–25 Premier League campaign paints a grim picture. These ten alarming stats go beyond mere numbers — they serve as a damning indictment of the team’s current trajectory and point to fundamental issues that the new manager must urgently address.
Worst Start Since 1986
Manchester United have collected just 10 points from their first 10 games, making this their worst start to a league season since the 1986–87 campaign — a season that led to the sacking of Ron Atkinson and the arrival of Sir Alex Ferguson.
Under Amorim, United have looked tactically confused and mentally fragile. The fear factor of Old Trafford has faded, with even mid-table teams walking in with confidence. The club’s rich history is under threat, and many are beginning to question if Amorim is in over his head.
Four Home Losses Already — The Fortress Is Gone
Old Trafford was once a place where even the league’s top clubs feared to tread. But this season, United have lost four of their opening six home matches, conceding a staggering 11 goals in the process.
The loss to Wolves, marked by poor pressing and slow transitions, epitomized United’s lack of identity. Fans are growing restless, and the legendary “Theatre of Dreams” is fast becoming a ground of nightmares.
Goal Drought Lowest Scoring United Side in Over a Decade
After ten games, Manchester United have scored just 9 goals — their lowest tally at this stage of a Premier League season since 2013–14. For context, even during Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s troubled tenure, United maintained a decent goal output.
The main culprit is not just the forwards but the system. Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 formation has stifled attacking creativity, often leaving summer signing Rasmus Højlund isolated and feeding on scraps. The wingers drift wide, the midfield lacks urgency, and chances are few and far between.
Casemiro and Fernandes Most Ball Losses Per Game in Premier League
Two of United’s most senior players, Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes, are currently averaging over 15 combined ball losses per game, the highest for any midfield duo in the league.
Casemiro’s aging legs are being exposed regularly, while Bruno’s erratic passing has led to numerous turnovers. Amorim’s inability to recalibrate the midfield — a vital cog in his Sporting Lisbon success — is glaringly evident in this failing setup.
Clean Sheet Crisis Only Two All Season
One of Amorim’s biggest selling points upon arrival was his ability to build defensively compact teams. But at United, the opposite has occurred. They’ve managed just two clean sheets in ten matches, both against bottom-three sides.
With Lisandro Martínez injured and Raphael Varane struggling for fitness, the makeshift backline has looked vulnerable against both pace and set-pieces. Even goalkeeper André Onana, who arrived with great fanfare, has failed to instill confidence.
Lowest Pressing Efficiency in the Top Half
Data from StatsBomb reveals United have the lowest pressing efficiency among all top-half Premier League sides. Amorim’s system, which hinges on aggressive pressing triggers, is falling flat in England’s more physically intense league.
Opposition teams often bypass United’s press with ease, particularly through the wide areas. This tactical flaw has allowed even average teams to dominate possession and rhythm — a damning blow to the principles Amorim claims to champion.
Bottom Three in Big Chances Created
United rank 18th out of 20 in terms of big chances created, according to Opta data. This is worse than clubs like Brentford and Crystal Palace — a shocking stat for a club with United’s attacking arsenal.
Despite the presence of Marcus Rashford, Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, and Mason Mount, the team is generating just 1.1 big chances per game. This isn’t a problem of execution — it’s a failure of structure, cohesion, and tactical clarity.
Anthony Martial 1 Shot on Target All Season
It’s not just about systemic issues. United’s individual performances have also been abysmal. Anthony Martial, once tipped as the club’s next star, has managed just one shot on target in over 300 minutes of football this season.
While some may argue Martial should no longer be a key figure, the fact that Amorim continues to turn to him in crucial moments underscores the lack of depth and trust in the attacking options available.
Defensive Errors Leading to Goals 7 and Counting
Manchester United have already committed 7 errors directly leading to goals, second-most in the Premier League after Sheffield United. These include misplaced passes by Onana, lapses in concentration by Diogo Dalot, and poor marking from set-pieces.
Such errors aren’t just unfortunate; they reflect a lack of confidence, structure, and concentration. These mental lapses have become a recurring theme, and Amorim has failed to stamp them out.
Record-Breaking xG (Expected Goals) Underperformance
Perhaps the most telling stat is United’s Expected Goals (xG) underperformance — they have underperformed their xG by 6.8 goals, the worst in the Premier League.
This figure highlights not just poor finishing but deeper issues in how chances are created. It’s a blend of bad luck, poor decision-making, and tactical ineffectiveness — all pointing to the manager’s inability to get the best from his squad.
Tactical Disarray and Dressing Room Discontent
Behind these stats is a growing concern about Amorim’s leadership. Reports suggest that some senior players are already doubting the manager’s methods. His insistence on a rigid system, his communication style, and his tactical inflexibility are not going down well in the dressing room.
At Sporting Lisbon, Amorim thrived in a less pressurized environment with a younger, more adaptable squad. At United, he’s dealing with a blend of aging veterans, expensive signings, and a deeply passionate fanbase that demands instant success. So far, he seems overwhelmed.
What’s Next for Ruben Amorim
Despite the numbers, Amorim is safe — for now. Club executives, including sporting director Dan Ashworth, are believed to still back him and want to give the project time. But time is a luxury that managers at Manchester United rarely enjoy.
The next five games — including matches against Arsenal and Tottenham — could define Amorim’s tenure. A failure to deliver points and performances may force the board to act. United’s fans, already growing restless, are demanding accountability.
The Way Forward What Needs to Change
If Amorim is to turn the tide, immediate adjustments are necessary:
- Abandon the rigid 3-4-3 and explore more pragmatic systems like the 4-2-3-1 that suits his current players.
- Integrate youth players like Kobbie Mainoo and Amad Diallo who offer energy and fresh ideas.
- Make bolder selections, dropping underperforming stars regardless of price tags or reputations.
- Strengthen defensive discipline, especially in transitional moments.
- Delegate more, particularly in communication with senior players, to foster mutual trust.
Above all, Amorim must rediscover the adaptability and passion that made him one of Europe’s most sought-after young managers
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