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Amorim acknowledges underperformance at Manchester United
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has admitted the club is falling short of expectations after winning just 23 of his 58 games in charge, but insists criticism from former players is part of the job.
Pressure mounts ahead of Bournemouth clash
United face Bournemouth in the Premier League on Monday, with a victory needed to maintain their recent top-six form. The last time the club stayed in the top six for two consecutive weeks was at the end of the 2023-24 season-a period marked by inconsistency, including a 4-0 defeat at Crystal Palace that nearly cost Erik ten Hag his job before a late FA Cup triumph.
Legends question Amorim's approach
Former United midfielder Paul Scholes recently argued on his podcast that Amorim's tactical system, which lacks traditional wingers, is ill-suited to the club's historic identity. When asked about such critiques, Amorim responded: "It's normal. As Manchester United manager, we are underachieving. We should have more points, especially this season. I take that naturally."
"Sometimes they don't have all the information and see Manchester United with the standards they lived here-always winning. It's hard for them to see their club in this situation."
Ruben Amorim
Amorim: 'Not winning is the real issue'
The Portuguese coach dismissed suggestions that public criticism makes his job harder, framing the problem more bluntly: "No. Not winning is the issue. The problem is that I'm not doing good enough. That's a fact, and I can accept that."
He added that if United were winning, "there would be no issue."
Squad challenges persist
Amorim has previously cited the limitations of younger players as a factor in last season's struggles, and similar concerns remain. With injuries sidelining Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire, inexperienced defenders Leny Yoro (20) and Ayden Heaven (19) may be called upon in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, uncertainty surrounds the availability of Noussair Mazraoui, Bryan Mbeumo, and Amad Diallo due to potential Africa Cup of Nations call-ups, though United have not confirmed their status.
Kobbie Mainoo's future in focus
Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, yet to start a Premier League game this season, was warmly received by fans when he came off the bench in United's 4-1 win at Wolves. The 20-year-old is reportedly seeking a loan move in January to secure regular playing time, a prospect Amorim resisted in the summer when Napoli showed interest.
"I had conversations with him last year, but not about this subject. I'd be pleased if he came to talk to me. I just want my players happy."
Ruben Amorim
Amorim remained non-committal about a potential January exit but emphasized his openness to dialogue: "I'm not going to say what I'd decide, but I'd talk to him. I'm completely open-that's clear. I have my ideas, but I won't change unless I believe it's right."
