Manchester United finds itself in a precarious situation unusually early in the season, defying the notion that a crisis only emerges after numerous games. Their upcoming fixture against Chelsea is being framed as another pivotal moment for manager Ruben Amorim.
While Chelsea, with only two wins in five matches across all competitions, might appear to offer an easier opponent, their current vulnerability actually benefits them by pitting them against an equally unstable Manchester United. Although many expect Enzo Maresca`s Chelsea to secure a victory, the true burden of expectation rests on Ruben Amorim, who desperately needs to reverse the Red Devils` declining fortunes.
Having been eliminated from the midweek EFL Cup by Grimsby Town, Manchester United couldn`t shake off the memory of their disappointing 3-0 loss to Manchester City on Sunday. This latest defeat in the Manchester derby further exposed their persistently disorganized defense, now featuring the uncertain new goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, and cast serious doubts on Amorim`s tactical competence. Consequently, Saturday`s clash with Chelsea presents a high-stakes opportunity for the manager to either prove his worth or risk further damage to his standing.
Match Details: Manchester United vs. Chelsea
- Date: Saturday, September 20 | Time: 12:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Old Trafford — Stretford, England
- TV: USA Network | Live stream: Fubo
- Odds: Manchester United +170; Draw +260; Chelsea +145
A year can significantly alter perceptions, as seen with Amorim, once hailed as a rising star among managers. While transforming United after years of mismanagement is a monumental task, and immediate success is unrealistic, it`s becoming increasingly difficult not to attribute some of their recent poor performances directly to Amorim. Despite many top-tier managers adhering to a preferred style, Amorim`s unusual inflexibility—particularly his reluctance to deviate from a back three formation regardless of circumstances—and his questionable in-game management have drawn considerable criticism.
The recent Manchester City match served as a prime example of the growing criticism surrounding his substitution patterns. When United fell 2-0 behind early in the second half, with roughly 30 minutes remaining, Amorim`s changes were notably defensive, bringing on Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo, while Leny Yoro and Noussair Mazraoui departed. The implied notion that Maguire was an attacking threat due to his set-piece ability paints a grim picture of the Red Devils` current state and further fuels doubts about Amorim`s suitability for the role.
The hope was that Amorim`s second season would see improvement, especially with the arrival of players he specifically chose during the summer transfer window. However, the Red Devils` attack has yet to ignite despite the signings of Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo. This lack of impact further indicts the manager`s vision for United. If this attacking trio, along with their manager, cannot significantly improve the team beyond last season`s performance, Manchester United faces another challenging and protracted season.
