Manchester United's Troubling Start: Questions Arise After Defeat
In the closing moments of Manchester United's 3-0 defeat to Manchester City, the television cameras focused on Sir Jim Ratcliffe in the directors' box. The individual now in charge at Old Trafford appeared deep in thought.
What could he have been contemplating? Was he reflecting on another damaging loss to a supposed top-six rival? Was he concerned about his new striker's inability to make a mark, having gone an entire match without a touch in the opposition box, just a day after the player he replaced to bring in Benjamin Sesko scored on his Napoli debut?
Or was he pondering how, despite investing over £200 million in new players over the past two summers, statistics from Opta indicate that United now faces a greater risk of relegation (11%) than the likelihood of finishing in the top five (7.3%) after only four matches?
Whatever thoughts occupied his mind, they likely weren't pleasant, much like the response from head coach Amorim, who struggled to explain yet another disappointing performance in a season he promised would be better.
"I understand how football is, and results dictate all the narratives," he stated. "We are doing better, but the results don’t reflect that. I recognize the record and the decisions that come with it. My message is that I will give everything and do what is best for the club. Ultimately, the last decision is not mine. As long as I am here, I will do my best, and I am suffering more than them."
By 'them,' Amorim likely referred to the fans, the majority of whom had left the stadium long before he and his dejected players acknowledged those who remained, amidst a sea of empty blue seats.
Lack of Quality or Systemic Issues?
With just four points from four games, United has recorded its worst start to a league season since 1992-93 under Sir Alex Ferguson. That season marked the end of a 26-year title drought, but it was a 42-game campaign without a transfer window, allowing Ferguson to acquire Eric Cantona in November, which altered the course of history.
"It does concern me," former United captain Roy Keane told Sky Sports. "This United team lacks real quality. The results, points per game, and goals for and against tell a troubling story. You can discuss the system, but the manager is sticking to his guns and not budging."
Amorim has faced repeated questions about his commitment to the 3-4-3 formation, with many believing it exposes United's midfield due to a lack of cohesive support. This was evident when Jeremy Doku evaded Bruno Fernandes and maneuvered through a largely static defense to set up Phil Foden's unlikely headed goal.
In his first Premier League start, Sesko had one opportunity to score but mishandled the ball and saw his shot saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma, who closed the gap effectively. Additionally, Sesko was penalized for handball, and United struggled to create significant chances until the match was well out of reach, despite some promising build-up play that ultimately fizzled out.
"I’m going to hold back on criticizing him [Sesko]," former United striker Dion Dublin remarked on BBC Radio 5 Live. "As an old number nine, I expect more from a number nine playing for United. Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias looked like they were playing against a park team today."
Ratcliffe may not spend his Saturdays browsing social media, but had he done so the day before, he might have seen Napoli's post celebrating Hojlund, which garnered 2.9 million views and 28,000 likes. In contrast, the statistics for Kevin De Bruyne’s opener were 12,000 views and 525 likes.
There is significant interest in Hojlund's performance outside of the United sphere. He will return to Manchester on Thursday, hoping for greater success at the Etihad in the Champions League than his former teammates experienced.
For the record, Amorim's response to the formation question was, "I believe in my way, and I will until I choose to change it."
'I Would Want Forest Green Rovers to Play Them'
Many concerned supporters believe that moment may have arrived. They argue that with the current squad, there is enough talent to field four defenders, three midfielders—including Bruno Fernandes—with Bryan Mbeumo and, when fit, Matheus Cunha supporting Sesko. This, they contend, would provide a more solid structure and reduce the chances of conceding easy goals.
Amorim countered this argument by stating, "Against Arsenal, were we the better team? (Martin) Odegaard, (Declan) Rice, and (Martin) Zubimendi are three top midfielders. We played with two. The fans may not want to hear this, but I am trying to be rational."
It can be argued that assessing from the sidelines without accountability is easy. However, many analysts possess vast experience and understand the game's dynamics. Former England international Theo Walcott expressed concern, saying, "My problem with this system is you're asking players to play in positions they’re not accustomed to. I’d prefer to see Bruno Fernandes higher up the field, with two solid center-backs in a 4-3-3 formation. But we know he doesn’t do that."
After completing his media duties, Amorim briefly returned to the dressing room before exiting, accompanied by a member of United's security staff. He did not acknowledge the media present.
Like Ratcliffe, he had much on his mind. Unlike Keane, Dublin, and Walcott, he must find answers swiftly. His only ally in this regard is Robbie Savage, who has taken over as manager of Forest Green Rovers, currently second in the National League. If Amorim sought sympathy from that direction, he did not receive it. "Grimsby beat them," he remarked on 606. "I believe if Forest Green Rovers reached the third round of the FA Cup, I would want to draw them at home."