Ruben Amorim`s vision for Manchester United is slowly taking shape, yet the team continues to face challenges, as evidenced by their 1-1 draw against Fulham at Craven Cottage. The match saw Bruno Fernandes miss a crucial penalty, and while United benefited from an own goal, Emile Smith Rowe`s equalizer meant a share of the points. This result brings United`s tally to just one point from two games, with no goals scored directly by their players, highlighting both glimmers of progress and significant areas for improvement.
The game began with Fulham showing early attacking prowess, as Matheus Cunha narrowly missed a hat trick within the first ten minutes, denied by the post and an impressive save from Bernd Leno. Despite Benjamin Sesko starting on the bench, United`s offense exhibited quick movement and a direct approach. Bruno Fernandes effectively exploited space, and Fulham struggled when United maintained possession. However, the team`s midfield weaknesses became apparent whenever they lost the ball.
This vulnerability in midfield is particularly concerning and appears linked to captain Bruno Fernandes` deeper role alongside Casemiro. While new signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have bolstered the attack, they have inadvertently pushed Fernandes further back, leaving United defensively exposed. This exacerbates existing goalkeeping concerns and was an area Fulham exploited effectively. Defensive lapses are not new for the Red Devils, but Amorim must urgently address them if the team is to improve its standing, especially after finishing 15th in the Premier League last season.
`I think we can do better, but we are putting in the effort, so that is the most important thing to me. I think in some moments that we did well, especially in the beginning of the game, and I felt that after the goal we were thinking about the result, just the result, and this team needs to win the game,` Amorim said following the match on the USA Network broadcast. `We need to focus on the performance of what we need to do because if we think about the results, we forget to do the normal things.`
Amorim`s comments underscore the immense pressure currently on the team. Old Trafford, known as the “Theater of Dreams,” demands high performance, and the spotlight will remain firmly on his squad. Players must adapt to this intensity, or they risk losing their place in the starting XI, as Amorim has demonstrated a willingness to bench those not adhering to his tactical approach and expectations.
The manager`s philosophy emphasizes possession-based, fast-paced, and aggressive play, a style United showcased for much of the first half. However, critical moments, such as Fernandes` missed penalty—despite a disrupted run-up—highlight the club`s current fragility. A prolonged period without consistent form, coupled with the recent Europa League final defeat to Tottenham and failure to qualify for the Champions League, continues to mount pressure on the squad.
This situation presents a formidable challenge for Amorim, one that will only intensify if results do not improve and the initial excitement of new signings fades. Integrating promising academy talents, like Kobbie Mainoo (whose absence this season has been noted), who might be less burdened by the club`s historical pressure, could offer some respite. However, time is a luxury United cannot afford. Amorim must swiftly find the right balance for his starting XI and secure the team`s first win of the season to prevent further instability at the club.
