The winners and losers from Ruben Amorim’s appointment at Manchester United

The winners and losers from Ruben Amorim’s appointment at Manchester United

Ruben Amorim’s appointment as Manchester United manager came at a critical juncture, following the club’s worst start to a Premier League season in history, under Erik ten Hag

At one point, United found themselves as low as 14th in the table, with some of the live football odds even considering them outsiders for relegation—a scenario unthinkable for a club of their stature.

The United board acted decisively, bringing in Amorim, who had just led Sporting Lisbon to a resounding victory over Manchester City in the Champions League and led the Leões to a Portuguese league title in 2023.

Under Amorim’s guidance, United have experienced a mix of highs and lows. The team has shown signs of resurgence, with notable victories that have reignited hope among the fanbase.

The Portuguese coach’s arrival injected newfound belief into the squad, aiming to restore the club’s former glory. Under his guidance, United have experienced a mix of highs and lows, including a morale-boosting penalty shootout victory over Arsenal in the FA Cup

However, inconsistencies remain, and the journey back to the upper echelons of English football is far from complete.

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In this article, we’ll examine the players who have thrived under Amorim’s leadership and those who have struggled to find their footing.

Winner: Matthijs de Ligt

Initially labelled as a flop following his summer transfer from Bayern Munich, Matthijs de Ligt has experienced a resurgence under Amorim.

Transitioning from an error-prone defender into the leader of United’s back three, De Ligt’s reading of the game and physical prowess was evident in the FA Cup match against Arsenal, where he made crucial blocks to secure a clean sheet.

The Dutchman looks to have overcome that setback at Anfield, where he conceded a penalty, and De Ligt has demonstrated resilience and leadership, becoming a cornerstone of Amorim’s defensive setup.

Loser: Joshua Zirkzee

Despite scoring the decisive penalty in the FA Cup tie, summer signing Joshua Zirkzee has found life at Old Trafford challenging.

The Dutch forward has struggled to make a significant impact and faced the ire of fans, notably being booed off the pitch at the start of the new year.

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To justify his move from Bologna, Zirkzee needs to rediscover his scoring touch and prove his worth to the United faithful.

Winner: Amad Diallo

Amad Diallo has thrived under Amorim’s management, showcasing versatility and flair on the right flank. His significant contributions include a crucial equaliser at Anfield, and he has solidified his position as a starter.

We’ve seen glimpses of the Ivorian’s immense talent since he signed from Atalanta, but after a couple of loans and a small goal drought, this is the most consistent he has looked in his Red Devils career.

Diallo’s creativity and work ethic have been instrumental in United’s attacking endeavours, making him a valuable asset in Amorim’s tactical plans.

Loser: Marcus Rashford

Marcus Rashford’s future at Manchester United appears uncertain. Under Amorim, he has been marginalised, featuring sparingly in recent matches.

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With a return of just 11 goals in his last 48 appearances, Rashford’s form has been under scrutiny. Reports suggest interest from clubs like Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan, indicating that his tenure at Old Trafford may be nearing its end.

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