Ruben Amorim hasn’t had the best of starts at Manchester United and in the Premier League, in particular, the situation is dire, to put it kindly.
Man Utd’s home form has led them to the genuine expectation of “just don’t get relegated” this season and the FA Cup win over Leicester recently posed more questions than answers.
The Europa League has been Ruben Amorim’s safe haven, breaking positive records in Europe but by his own admission, a trophy won’t save the season.
In the meantime, despite it being a long-term project, some of his decisions have come under the scanner and Rio Ferdinand has now sent a clear message to Ineos about what they should do with the Man Utd manager.
Rio Ferdinand’s Ruben Amorim message to Ineos
Amorim recently invited scrutiny after playing Patrick Dorgu on the right despite him being left-footed and Diogo Dalot struggling on the left as a right-footed player.
It was arguably the first time that the Man Utd fans collectively questioned the wisdom of Amorim behind a decision after sticking by him unconditionally.
That the game was won in the second half after Dorgu came off and attacking options were introduced only served to strengthen those claims.
Rio Ferdinand spoke on his YouTube channel and said that despite underwhelming performances and results, Ineos should have clarity on Amorim.
He said: “I’m not gonna question him or raise any doubts because I’m not in panic mode at all. You need to give him time, he’s just been through one window. He needs a minimum of two before you start judging him. Get this season out of the way.
Just see how he gets an identity, and a way of playing, and then let him analyse everything in the summary. Get to Christmas and then look at it.”
Rio Ferdinand’s statement is a no-brainer
Unlike Erik ten Hag’s case, where the mitigating factor of the Dutchman not being Ineos’ appointment loomed over his head, there’s no such thing with Amorim.
Ineos have gone all-in on the Portuguese and they absolutely need their first managerial appointment to work, regardless of what it takes.
For his part, Amorim has brought refreshing clarity and charisma to a seat that had been lacking it for far too long, and that should afford him a long leash.
This season was going to be a write-off anyway so getting the players to start playing this way and get used to the pressure of playing under Amorim the rest of the season is the right way to go about it.
Amorim is not going anywhere, and nor should he.
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