Man Utd's league dilemma: Deeper problem beyond poor results
Manchester United’s slip to 14th in the Premier League table says a lot about their season performance. The club’s recent 4-1 defeat to Newcastle, on Sunday, April 13, only added salt to their wounds. While setbacks aren’t new this season, this result and United’s current run raise questions about what’s going on at Old Trafford.
New head coach Ruben Amorim’s arrival in November 2024 sparked a wave of hope among fans and the team. As one of Europe’s biggest coaches, many expected United’s quick revival. Yet, his plans and the squad’s deliveries don’t seem to match. Could the issue lie beyond just tactics and results?
The wake-up call
The heavy loss to Newcastle wasn’t just a poor result; it highlighted systemic issues within the club. It reflected how far United have fallen in the league. Amorim made headlines by admitting post-match that they ‘made a lot of mistakes that made it harder to win a game’.
Accounts from previous players underscore the lack of urgency and response among Man Utd players during critical matches. The club’s former midfielder, Paul Scholes, even ranted about United players being ‘lazy’, labelling the team as ‘rubbish’.
The players’ flat response made the loss feel even heavier, proving that the issue may no longer be just form or skill; it could be a deeper struggle with the club’s direction.
Keane: Weak physically and mentally
Former United midfielder and now pundit Roy Keane saw the struggle and didn’t hold back. After the Newcastle game, he slammed the club, stating that they are ‘physically and mentally a weak team’. He wasn’t alone, though, as many fans and ex-players have echoed the same frustration. United's former captain, Gary Neville, even called out the club’s poor quality games.
Amorim on the edge; are hopes still alive?
To Amorim’s credit, there has been hope. Wins over Ipswich Town, Leicester City, and a few more in cup games showed glimpses of what the team could have become. The coach’s system has shown moments of clarity and structure.
Sadly, these are rare moments. Inconsistency brings down Amorim’s reign at the moment. Critics shared that his 3-4-3 formation system doesn’t suit United, which only adds to their unimpressive results. After matches, Amorim’s frustrations have been evident. He’s pointed out individual mistakes and the lack of focus, hinting at growing tension within the club.
The team needs to save itself
United’s dull performance this season can’t be pinned on one man. Amorim has shown intent and desire to shift the club’s path, but even someone as sharp as him can’t fix a broken system alone.
Right now, the club has lost 14 of its 32 matches. Their next match is set against Wolves on Sunday, April 20. If players don’t make any moves, results will keep slipping, and the team will keep sinking.
