Football experts clash over Amorim sack demand after United crisis

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim reacts during the Premier League match against Fulham at Craven Cottage (Illustrative image) (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images) Getty Images

Manchester United are never far from full-blown crisis, and this season it has taken just two matches. After spending over £200 million this summer, the Red Devils languish in 16th place in the Premier League with just one point from two games.

Their solitary goal came off Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz as an own goal. The dismal start follows a worrying trend under Ruben Amorim, who has won just seven Premier League games since arriving at Old Trafford last November.

Expert debate divides opinion

Mirror Football writers are split on whether Amorim deserves more time or faces mounting pressure. Daniel Orme argues there's no reason to sack the Portuguese coach yet, noting his new signings are still settling in and the transfer window remains open.

Tom Victor emphasises that discussing a manager's future after two games shows how quickly crisis talk emerges at United. He points out they lost narrowly to title contenders Arsenal and drew away at Fulham in circumstances where they might have won.

Tactical concerns emerge

Oli Gamp acknowledges Amorim needs time but questions whether his 3-4-3 system suits the current squad. With upcoming fixtures against Manchester City and Chelsea, he warns that anything less than easy wins against Grimsby and Burnley will create serious unease.

Andy Dunn draws parallels to Erik ten Hag's start in 2022-23, when United lost their first two games but finished third. He highlights 32 attempts on goal across the opening matches, suggesting chances are being created but not converted.

Investment strategy questioned

John Cross urges United to hold their nerve despite spending £206 million primarily on forwards Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. He argues they've neglected key areas like goalkeeper and holding midfielder but believes the forward line has game-changing potential.

According to the Guardian, Amorim has won only two games from 14 against teams finishing 7th-17th last season, taking eight points from a possible 42. The Independent reports that Alex Iwobi revealed Fulham specifically targeted United's midfield, saying they "knew we would be able to get behind their midfield."

Season outlook remains mixed

Mark Jones warns that new players learning Amorim's rigid system means United are "back to square one" despite summer investment. Dan Marsh sees enough promise in the opening performances to suggest better times are coming, despite the poor start.

The Manchester Evening News reports that Kobbie Mainoo is now "fighting for the position with Bruno" according to Amorim, highlighting competition amid the midfield crisis. With the transfer window still open, United have limited time to address remaining weaknesses.

Sources used: "Mirror", "Guardian", "Independent", "Manchester Evening News" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.