The Fallacy of a Quick Fix
Amorim’s stock is rising after his exploits at Sporting, where he has won multiple domestic trophies and led the team to the Champions League knockout stages. While his tactical acumen and youth development skills are commendable, these qualities are far from a guarantee that he would replicate success at Old Trafford. United’s problems are systemic, and switching managers again would simply paper over the cracks.
Under ten Hag, Manchester United has made significant progress in some areas, including tactical discipline and defense. But the club’s shortcomings in attack, squad depth, and leadership are not things that Amorim could automatically resolve. A manager like Amorim, who has operated in a much smaller fishbowl at Sporting, may struggle to control the high expectations and complex dynamics of a club like Manchester United.
The Ten Hag Blueprint: What Went Wrong?
It’s clear that ten Hag, despite his flaws, has instilled a clear tactical vision at Manchester United. However, his tenure has been marred by inconsistent performances, questionable decisions, and, most notably, the lack of a reliable attacking identity. The decision to heavily rely on Jadon Sancho, Antony, and Marcus Rashford while neglecting to bring in key reinforcements has left United with an attacking void.
Ten Hag’s other major mistake has been his failure to consistently adapt. In many of United’s biggest matches, ten Hag has relied on a rigid system rather than adjusting his tactics to exploit the opposition’s weaknesses. His reluctance to evolve his strategy against teams with a more direct approach or those that press high has cost United valuable points.
Yet, even in the face of these failures, ten Hag has remained committed to his process. And that’s where the hope lies for Manchester United’s future — not in another managerial upheaval but in a process-driven philosophy that builds slowly over time. Amorim, or any potential manager, should take note: United’s problems won’t be solved in a single transfer window or season. They will require patience, discipline, and a commitment to an overarching philosophy.
Patience is the Key: The Long-Term Vision
United’s current predicament is a product of years of mismanagement and chaotic decision-making. The club has cycled through numerous managers and half-baked philosophies in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era. Stability and continuity are crucial to breaking this cycle, and that can only be achieved if the next manager understands that Rome wasn’t built in a day.
While Amorim has displayed solid tactical understanding and adaptability at Sporting, the differences in resources and expectations at United cannot be overlooked. Ten Hag, for all his failings, has implemented a playing style that prioritizes possession and a structured, disciplined approach to defense. This is a framework that could form the foundation of success if given time to mature. The team needs reinforcements in key areas, but more than anything, they need clarity and a sense of purpose that comes from sticking to a clear process.
United’s True Need: A Collaborative Approach
The focus for Manchester United should not be about who’s next at the helm. It should be on creating a strong, unified structure from top to bottom. United’s footballing philosophy must permeate through all levels of the club. This means the manager, scouting department, and recruitment team must work together to identify and target players who fit into a cohesive system, not simply star names or immediate fixes.
In this sense, ten Hag has already laid the groundwork for that structure. His time at United hasn’t been perfect, but the lessons learned from his tenure could help reshape the club’s direction in the long term. The key lies in finding a manager who believes in a sustained process and, more importantly, who is empowered to make bold decisions and keep faith in their own methods — even in the face of adversity.
Conclusion: Stick With the Process
Ruben Amorim is a fine coach, but appointing him as Manchester United’s next manager would be another step into the same trap the club has been caught in for years — constantly seeking quick fixes rather than committing to a long-term process. Manchester United should stick with ten Hag, not for sentimental reasons but because his approach offers the best chance for rebuilding the team in a sustainable manner.
The solution lies in time, consistency, and the ability to learn from past mistakes. Only by sticking to the process, making gradual improvements, and adding reinforcements where necessary, can Manchester United hope to return to the top of English and European football. If Amorim or another manager is brought in, they must adopt the same philosophy — success will come, but only through patience and discipline. Anything less will be another false dawn.