Disappointment, frustration, and false hope are certainly the most accurate terms to characterize the present circumstances at Manchester United football at this time.
The younger generation of fans will likely have followed in their family members’ footsteps in supporting the Red Devils, yet many will not have witnessed the successes achieved in previous years.
Sir Alex Ferguson established the club’s prominence during his nearly 27-year tenure, departing Old Trafford as a footballing icon due to his impressive record of 16 top-division titles.
The Scotsman provided the fanbase with a reason to take pride in supporting the club, thereby assisting them in attaining the global recognition they enjoy today.
Nevertheless, it has not been entirely smooth for all those associated with the Theatre of Dreams in recent times, as they are currently experiencing a 12-year period without a Premier League title.
This drought does not seem likely to conclude in the near future, particularly if the individual currently at the helm does not alter his existing approach on the pitch.
The failures of Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system
In November, there was considerable excitement among the United fanbase when Ruben Amorim assumed control following the dismissal of Erik ten Hag a few weeks earlier.
During the 2023/24 campaign, he secured the Liga Portugal title using a 3-4-2-1 formation, which he also implemented upon his arrival at Old Trafford.
This marked a significant departure from the 4-2-3-1 formation frequently employed by previous managers of the Red Devils, yet it has not succeeded in altering their performance on the field since his appointment.
The 40-year-old has managed to achieve a disappointing 38% win rate in his position, securing only eight victories in the Premier League, which led to the club finishing in 15th place in the 2024/25 season.
Amorim’s situation has not improved in the current season, as he has only won one of the last four matches, including a loss in the latest game against local rivals Manchester City.
Following the defeat, he addressed the media, facing significant scrutiny regarding his current tactics, but he maintained that he would not abandon his existing philosophy.
Nevertheless, it is evident that after 47 matches in charge, he has been unable to revitalize the squad, and a change in strategy is urgently needed if he hopes to retain his position in the upcoming weeks.
The player who Amorim must unleash in a system change
There has been considerable discussion regarding the lack of success at United in recent years, with blame directed towards the manager and the hierarchy due to inadequate recruitment.
Rasmus Hojlund was Amorim’s primary choice for the centre-forward position last season, yet he significantly underperformed, managing to score only four goals in the Premier League across 32 appearances.
The Dane was subsequently transferred during the summer window, moving on loan to Serie A club Napoli, with the possibility of the deal becoming permanent next summer.
Nevertheless, he has already made an impressive start with Antonio Conte’s team, scoring on his debut against Fiorentina last weekend, which may suggest that he was constrained by Amorim’s tactical approach.
Another individual who has faced challenges since Amorim’s tenure began is academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo, whose career has notably stagnated in recent months.
The 20-year-old made a significant impact in the 2023/24 season, achieving 35 appearances in all competitions and scoring five goals from his deep-lying midfield role.
His goals against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester City in the FA Cup were standout moments for the young player, contributing to his status as a regular starter under Ten Hag.
He was even selected for England’s Euro 2024 squad, participating in six matches throughout the tournament, which prompted Alex Turk to describe him as a “£100m-plus footballer.”
However, Mainoo has been limited to just 22 starts over the past 12 months, with none occurring during the initial phases of the 2025/26 Premier League season.
Due to his lack of playing time, the player sought a loan transfer during the summer, which was ultimately denied – a choice that may turn out to be advantageous if Amorim alters his tactical approach.
Implementing a 4-3-3 formation could provide the Red Devils with greater stability in the midfield, enabling Mainoo to secure regular playing time in a trio with Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte.
Although his reduced playing time last season hindered his development, the young player still managed to achieve some notable statistics, underscoring his capability to perform in a box-to-box position.
| Kobbie Mainoo – PL stats (2024/25) | |
|---|---|
| Statistics (per 90) | Tally |
| Games played | 25 |
| Minutes played | 1656 |
| Pass accuracy | 87% |
| Chances created | 1.7 |
| Successful dribbles | 1.3 |
| Tackles won | 63% |
| Duels won | 5.9 |
| Interceptions made | 1.2 |
| Recoveries made | 4.8 |
| Stats via FotMob | |
He created 1.7 chances per 90 and completed 1.7 dribbles per 90, subsequently allowing him to develop the ball into forward areas and find the new £200m trio at the top end of the pitch.
Mainoo also won 63% of the tackles he entered, making 1.2 interceptions alongside such a tally – showcasing his ability to regain possession and have a positive impact at both ends.
If he can replicate such numbers in a system change, there’s no reason as to why he can’t once again be a key component in any future success at Old Trafford.
However, the main focus at present will be on the managerial situation, with Amorim desperately needing to move away from his current philosophy if the club are to overturn their dismal ongoing slump.
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