Tension is in the air at Old Trafford. Three crucial games are ahead for Manchester United’s struggling manager, Ruben Amorim: Sunderland at home on October 4, a difficult trip to Liverpool on October 19, and Brighton at Old Trafford on October 25. These games might be the final straw for Amorim, who currently has a dismal 27% win percentage in the Premier League (nine wins from 33 games) and is in the bottom half following a 3-1 loss to Brentford. Fans and commentators are divided by his stubborn stance: “I’m not changing my tactics.” Is the end in sight, or will he change to survive? For every Red Devils supporter looking for solutions, let’s examine Amorim’s strategies, United’s difficulties, and why these games are crucial.
Amorim’s Rocky Road at Man United
Rewind to November 2024: Amorim arrived from Sporting CP, a two-time Primeira Liga champion, tasked with reviving a United side rotting in 14th. Early sparks—a 2-1 Ipswich win, a Europa League final run—faded fast. Last season’s 15th-place finish, a Carabao Cup upset by Grimsby Town, and no back-to-back league wins in ten months tell a grim tale. Over £200 million spent on Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo hasn’t clicked, with United’s attack averaging under a goal per game. A 3-0 derby loss to City and Brentford’s 3-1 rout exposed a leaky defense, conceding first in 21 Premier League games.
Amorim’s blunt honesty—“This might be United’s worst team ever”—once charmed but now haunts. Dressing room unrest, with Garnacho’s Chelsea exit as evidence, and Rooney’s claim that the club’s “soul is gone” sting hard. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s patience holds, but Gary Neville warns: bottom-half by October means trouble. With United 15th with just a win in six, these games are Amorim’s last stand.
Why Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 Isn’t Clicking
Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 was a masterpiece at Sporting—high press, dynamic wing-backs, and midfield overloads that crushed opponents. In the Premier League? It’s a misfit. The system needs tireless wing-backs and ball-playing defenders. United’s Patrick Dorgu shines, but Diogo Dalot’s injuries leave gaps. Against City, Dorgu had 12 box touches to Bruno’s zero—symptom of a lopsided attack. Grimsby’s man-marking choked United’s flanks, a tactic rivals now mimic.
Amorim’s refusal to pivot is the real issue. “Not even the pope” could make him drop 3-4-2-1, he quipped. Yet, post-Brentford, he hinted at tweaks: “I’m trying.” Brentford’s Keith Andrews outfoxed him with a mid-game switch to 4-3-3. United’s 1.6 goals conceded per game and four clean sheets in 25 matches scream for change. Micah Richards calls it “delusional stubbornness.” The next three opponents will test this rigidity to breaking point.
Sunderland: Trap or Turning Point?
October 4, Old Trafford—Sunderland, fresh from Championship promotion, are no pushovers. Sunderland’s pace on the counter and their gritty defending make them a threat. United’s recent home wins over Chelsea and Burnley offer hope, but a slip here could echo Grimsby’s upset. Amorim needs width to stretch Sunderland’s compact block. A 2-1 win feels possible if Sesko (if he starts) converts chances, but anything less sparks crisis talks. This is the breather United must take.
Liverpool Away: Anfield’s Acid Test
October 19, Anfield—Liverpool, flying under Arne Slot, are top titans with Salah still lethal. United’s last Anfield win? 2016. Slot’s 4-2-3-1 will suffocate United’s build-up, with Jeremy Frimpong feeding Hugo or Isak for chaos. Amorim’s press falters against counter-punchers, and Liverpool are masters. A draw is a miracle; a loss (say, 3-1) could be catastrophic. Swapping a center-back for midfield muscle might help, but this feels like damage limitation.
Brighton at Home: Seagulls’ Sting
October 25, Old Trafford—Brighton, unbeaten in four, play possession football under Fabian Hurzeler. Yankuba Minteh’s flair mirrors Mitoma’s, and their 4-2-3-1 will probe United’s wings. Post-Liverpool, fatigue could kill. A hybrid press to disrupt Brighton’s rhythm is key. The Stretford End can lift United to a 1-1 draw—a point that screams progress if paired with earlier wins. Drop points, and relegation whispers grow louder.
Amorim’s Last Stand: Adapt or Exit
These games—seven points up for grabs—are Amorim’s judgment day. Two wins could stabilize his reign, keeping Ratcliffe’s faith and unlocking January funds. A flop, and names like Glasner or Zidane loom. Steve Nicol’s blunt: “Amorim’s out of excuses.” A 3-4-1-2 tweak could balance philosophy and pragmatism, but time’s ticking.
United fans, you’ve endured Moyes, LVG, and Mourinho’s meltdowns. Can you rally for Amorim? These matches decide if he’s the next Fergie or another false dawn. Share your predictions below, and subscribe for more Man United analysis, Amorim updates, and previews. Glory, glory—but only with change.
