Reuben Amorim’s tenure as Manchester United manager has already been under intense scrutiny after a disastrous start to the season.
Arriving at Old Trafford, the Portuguese coach has a reputation for his tactical innovation and success in Sports Lisbon, and now finds himself only facing pressure for a few weeks of a new campaign.
The latest set-up was held at the Carabao Cup. There, United was humiliated by the town of League Two Side Grimsby. Despite defending a strong team, Amorim’s side could only manage a 2-2 draw in 90 minutes before crashing on a penalty.
Man United knocked out the Carabao Cup by Grimsby
Defeat is described as one of the lowest points in recent years, given the disparity in resource and height between the two clubs.
Shock elimination was added to the frustration surrounding Amorim’s early reign. After a massive summer spending designed to rebuild the team in line with his philosophy, supporters and critics were hoping to see clear signs of improvement as well.
Instead, United struggles with consistency and often appears to be lacking in ideas for attack.
Former Man United Chief Scout Mick Brown discussed what that means for Amorim’s future at Old Trafford.
“If you lose the first game of the season, you’re already under pressure.” He told the soccer insider.
“Then they’ve tied with Fulham, which may have lost a lot. It’s two games without winning.
“There were a few games in the new season, lots of money was spent, three new players were in advance, and there were few indications of improvement.
“If they lose to Fulham, the manager will be staring at the barrel.
“As it is, they are already down the wrong end of the table, and all of that can be played in the minds of the players and managers.
“Then the pressure was a cup game that we really couldn’t afford to lose based on the third game, the cup game, and then we lose to a league two club.
“Their next game will be Burnley at home, and God forbids them from losing it, it will be a disaster.
“But because of the interests, pressure, the whole situation, it’s not as easy as it should be and you wouldn’t be surprised to see them dropping the point again.
“So managers have to do something for morale, not only to turn the outcome around.
“When you’re losing your game, you’re in a rut and there’s pressure built up, so it’s a very difficult situation to pull yourself out.”
Reuben Amorim walks on a thin rope
For Amorim, the coming weeks could prove decisive. With a rich fixture schedule ahead, he needs to quickly stabilize the ship and avoid further questions about his suitability to the role.
Man United fans, who wanted a fresh start under a Portuguese manager, are now worried and wondering whether history is trying to repeat itself.
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