We can all agree that Manchester United had a really poor performance in the 2024-25 season. In fact, it was the worst history of the club. It finished 15th in the Premier League, the lowest position in three decades, and their point tally was also the lowest since it joined the Premier League. The club has been bombarded by a number of deep-seated issues and a lack of identity. The constant merry-go-round of managers, with Erik ten Hag, Ruud van Nistelrooy, and now Ruben Amorim all having a say, has left the team without a clear identity and a squad in disarray.
Performance Issues
Poor Attack and Defense
There are several issues that have led to their predicament. On the pitch, the team struggled in both attack and defense. They only scored 44 goals and lacked a cutting edge. Besides, they had a porous defense that conceded 54 goals. This meant they were constantly chasing games to save face. Bettors avoid their matches for the unpredictability. Those that enjoyed bonuses with crypto sportsbooks, like those on Crypto.Bookies.com, placed them on other teams or less-risky markets.
Lack of Coherent Tactical Plan
The team also lacked a coherent tactical plan. This was partially due to the constant change of managers, and each came with his system. This meant that players never settled on any system. Additionally, individual performances, with the exception of Bruno Fernandes, were inconsistent at best. The likes of Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho either left or had seasons far below their potential.
Can these issues be addressed, and the team brought back to its glory days? Yes. However, there is a need for a comprehensive, long-term strategy that addresses the core issues head-on. Here are a few ways these issues can be fixed.
Gaining a Tactical Identity
It seems the club is taking a leap into creating a new tactical identity. The recent appointment of Ruben Amorim is a positive step towards achieving this. Ruben comes with a reputation for building cohesive, disciplined, and tactically intelligent teams. His immediate task is to instill a playing philosophy that is distinct to the club.
Ruben used the 3-4-3 formation at Sporting CP, and it brought him success. However, it requires patience and time to implement the same at Manchester United. He recently signed in Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko this summer. Many see it as a move to get players that would fit in this formation. They are pacy forwards that can press the front to create chances for other players.
For this restructuring to work, Amorim needs to have full control over football operations. The new INEOS management would need to offer him a free hand to make his moves, including recruiting players. In the past, we have seen the club focus more on the star power of the players when recruiting them. However, for the Amorim system to work, the new players must fit into the system rather than come on the basis of their star power.
The Need for a Ruthless Team Overhaul
Manchester United needs a serious and complete overhaul of its squad. It should let go of players that don’t fit the new system or are not good enough in the current circumstances. The release of players like Alejandro Garnacho, Christian Eriksen, Rasmus Højlund, Jadon Sancho, and Victor Lindelöf was a good move as it needs to shape its gaming policy.
Areas Manchester United Needs to Fill
Manchester United’s performance issues are often attributed to a combination of on-field tactical weaknesses and off-field structural problems. It must check the following to enhance performance.
Defensive Stability: The central defense has been an area of concern. The club needs more depth and a commanding presence in the backline. There’s also a need for a center-back with strong aerial ability and leadership to partner with existing players.
Midfield Creativity and Control: The midfield also needs improvement. While players like Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo are important, the team has lacked a dominant central midfielder who can dictate the tempo of the game. He should provide more carries and deliver forward passes.
Attacking Depth and Consistency: Up front, the club has struggled with inconsistent goal-scoring, particularly from wide positions. It needs a new forward who can provide a consistent goal threat and a focal point for the attack.
Tactical Flexibility: Beyond individual player positions, there’s a need for overall tactical flexibility. The team should have the ability to adapt to different formations and opponents, which has been a challenge.
Enhancing the Academy
Man-U has built success partly from homegrown players in its academy. The academy has produced some truly exciting prospects, such as the prolific Chido Obi-Martin, the versatile Ethan Wheatley, and the already-established Kobbie Mainoo. However, for the stars to shine, Amorim must be willing to use them in real games. They should also be integrated into the first team gradually so that they also get their skills into the game.
For Manchester United to change its fortunes, it should work as one and address its core challenges. Performance is the first challenge, but there are also leadership and structural adjustments to give the club a distinct identity. It may take some time, but the results would be long-lasting and good. We hope Ruben Amorim has what it takes to give it a new life.
