Ruben Amorim stood helpless on the touchline as Manchester United suffered yet another defeat.
A patched-up side fell to a 1-0 loss at Tottenham on Sunday, making it eight defeats in their last 12 league games.
Behind him, a bench filled with teenagers highlighted just how thin his squad has become.
Despite the struggles, Amorim remains defiant.
“I have a lot of problems. My job is so, so hard here — but I stick with my beliefs,” he said after the latest setback.
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His refusal to compromise on his tactical approach has become a key talking point.
United now have their worst record after 25 games of a league season since their relegation in 1974.
While Ruben Amorim still has the backing of the club, some players are starting to question his methods.
According to Chris Wheeler on Daily Mail, some within the squad believe United’s victories are more down to luck or individual brilliance than a tactical masterclass.
“The feeling is, ‘We got away with one but we might not be so lucky next time,’” a dressing-room source revealed.
Late goals have been a theme of Amorim’s tenure, with stoppage-time winners masking deeper issues.
Harry Maguire’s controversial goal against Leicester earlier this month was just another example.
Even Amorim himself struggled to celebrate that win, fully aware of the deeper problems within his squad.
Some players feel his rigid commitment to a back-three system simply doesn’t suit the team.
Micah Richards raised the issue on Match of the Day 2, questioning whether Amorim should be more adaptable.
“It’s very hard to go from playing in a back four to a back three,” said the former England defender.
“But as a manager, you have to adapt too.”
Gary Neville was even more damning, calling Amorim’s midfield setup “absolute madness” after the Spurs defeat.
He was disgusted by the disconnect between Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro, leaving the Brazilian with too much defensive work.
“The structure of the team is awful. You wouldn’t see this in Under-9s football,” Neville fumed on Sky Sports.
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Despite these concerns, there is no indication that United’s hierarchy is losing faith in Ruben Amorim.
The real test will come in the summer when the club must decide whether to fully back him in the transfer market.
United spent £200 million under Erik ten Hag last summer before sacking him months later, leaving their budget stretched.
Cost-cutting has been a theme ever since, with Marcus Rashford and Antony sent on loan to ease the wage bill.
Amorim’s only January signing was left-back Patrick Dorgu, highlighting United’s financial limitations.
Casemiro, who earns £375,000 a week, has been linked with an exit, but he insists he is happy to stay.
“I have a year-and-a-half left on my contract, and I’d like to fulfil it here in Manchester,” he told Spanish media.
Assuming United stick with Amorim, they must decide whether to invest in players that fit his specific system.
That comes with a major risk, as another managerial change could leave them with a squad ill-suited to the next man’s vision.
“They are miles off it,” Jamie Redknapp warned.
“They need seven or eight players to change.”
For now, United continue down a path of survival and suffering, hoping for better days ahead.
Amorim refuses to change course. Whether the players will continue to follow remains to be seen.
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Source: Centred Devils
