Ruben Amorim’s short reign at Manchester United has already descended into scrutiny and doubt.
The 40-year-old has been criticised for sticking rigidly to his 3-4-3 system despite its flaws, and results have only heightened the pressure.
A limp start to the season was compounded by the Carabao Cup humiliation at Grimsby, where United scraped a goal through Kobbie Mainoo’s individual brilliance teeing up Bryan Mbeumo, rather than any clear tactical plan.
Amorim apologised to supporters afterwards, but patience is already thin with questions being raised over his leadership and ability to adapt.
Now Nicky Butt has added his voice to the growing chorus of criticism, insisting Amorim must show progress quickly or risk being consumed by the pressure.
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Speaking to BetMGM via Manchester Evening News, the Class of ’92 legend said United “can’t accept it getting worse than last year” and warned that by November or December “the rumour mill starts” if results fail to improve.
“He’ll be under pressure, even more than he is now.
“We can’t accept it getting worse than last year.
“If it does and how much time Ruben Amorim gets, well, we know what it’s like.
Butt argued Amorim requires two more transfer windows to truly shape the squad.
However, the United legend also stressed that “real progression is going to be needed” after nearly £200 million was already spent this summer on Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Diego Leon.
“I think you need to give him two transfer windows after this one, but then real progression is going to be needed from him too.
“I say ‘him’ [Amorim] because he is the leader, but everything has to improve and move forward.
“If it’s standing still or going backwards, then he is in trouble.
“The top teams will be getting better. It will take time for United to catch them. City, Arsenal and Chelsea will all improve, too, so where does that leave United?”
He also pointed to the lack of leadership in United’s current group, contrasting it with the squad he emerged into under Sir Alex Ferguson.
“Bruno [Fernandes] had a decent season and did well, but I can’t think of any others that did,” Butt said.
“We had players like Roy Keane, Paul Ince and Eric Cantona – top class players who carried you.
“Now players are written off straight away because the leaders just aren’t there.”
United face Burnley this weekend before the international break, with Amorim already under the microscope.
