Manchester United are still struggling to get out of their slump since appointing Ruben Amorim as the club’s new manager back in November 2024.
United had their worst season last year, ending in eighth in the Premier League, however this year is set to be even worse.
The Red Devils are currently in 14th place after beating Ipswich 3-2 at Old Trafford.
However, in their last match, United were knocked out of the FA Cup by Fulham in front of a home crowd in a dreaded penalty shoot-out.
However, despite United’s recent poor form continuing, ESPN are standing by Amorim, highlighting wider issues at the club.
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ESPN give Ruben Amorim a vote of confidence
Discussing United’s recent form, Gabriele Marcotti acknowledged their dismissal from the FA Cup, leaving the Europa League as their only chance at retaining European football next season.
However, the journalist commented that Amorim is still in favour at Old Trafford, commenting: “I get the impression that, by and large, he [Ruben Amorim] still has that trust.”
The main reason for this assessment comes from the fans being “exhausted” of coaches being hired with extensions made to their contract despite failings, a nod to Erik ten Hag surviving the summer.
Another point made was United’s expensive hiring of executives only to be dismissed months later, another nod to a recent departure, this time however it’s sporting director Dan Ashworth.
Despite United’s loss to Fulham, Marcotti sympathised with Amorim, explaining he utilised all the options available to him, with several stars out through injury.
Speaking of this, the ESPN journalist commented: “I don’t know how much more he could have done.”
He continued: “At the final whistle, the only substitute options left to him on the bench were Hubert Graczyk and Will Murdock, backup goalkeepers unfamiliar to anyone but their close relatives.”
Marcotti also acknowledged Amorim’s use of Christian Eriksen over Alejandro Garnacho, however explained the rationale Amorim would have used behind this decision, saying: “It’s not hard to see why he opted for Eriksen.”
He continued by explaining: “Leaving aside some of Garnacho’s disciplinary issues, he obviously expected Fulham would sit and let United have the ball; Garnacho is less effective when there’s no space in which to run.”
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Gabriele Marcotti criticises Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s leadership
However, after defending Ruben Amorim, ESPN turned their attention to Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS.
Ratcliffe and his company have been behind the decisions such as retaining ten Hag over the summer, appointing and sacking Ashworth, as well as appointing Omar Berrada, Jean-Claude Blanc, Jason Wilcox and Christopher Vivell into the United hierarchy.
Marcotti expressed: “It’s unclear what Ratcliffe is trying to do, other than lower costs via mass layoffs.”
However, the journalist explained that despite the layoffs, cost-cutting exercises and general uncertainty at United, standing by Amorim is understandable.
Marcotti explained: “Supporters are smart enough to look at the team, look at the players who are there (and, crucially, those who are unavailable) and understand Amorim can’t yet be judged.”
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