A familiar look of fatigue washed over Ruben Amorim’s face as he met with the media following an underwhelming draw against Wolves on Tuesday evening.
Although his Manchester United squad was depleted due to injuries and international duty, Old Trafford aired its feelings at half-time and at the final whistle, with many aggrieved by what they had witnessed.
Once more, a top four place was squandered by a group who appear hellbent on refusing to capitalise on the many openings offered by Premier League rivals.
That is not to disregard the lack of creativity and options in reserve, but the divisions’ bottom side should not have been given a sniff on the night.
Amorim is aware of this, and, to his credit, refused to hide behind the list of absentees.
Nonetheless, having fought tooth and nail to earn a backs-to-the-wall victory against Newcastle, a rotated system failed to deliver a year-ending shot of adrenaline in the North West.
And as sure as day will turn to night, questions regarding his suitability immediately surfaced.
Can we expect better from Manchester United in 2026?
In short, yes, of course we can. When factoring in the importance of those missing presently, it’s nearly impossible to imagine any side coping.
That is not jumping to defend an inexcusably poor showing against Wolves; it is simply acknowledging the obvious improvements in quality following the conclusion of AFCON and the return of injured starters.
Still, for some, there is nothing Ruben can do to change their minds: he’s not good enough now, and he will never be fit for purpose.
I believe everybody is entitled to their opinions, particularly when the manager gets it wrong, as he did on Tuesday evening. But I can’t share that viewpoint.
Call me deluded, but the outcome of a solitary fixture can, and should not, generate such social uproar every week. Remember, a win would have moved his side into the Champions League positions.
Although it’s challenging to claw positives from a demoralising outing, United will begin the new year within a couple of points of a European place ahead of fixtures against Leeds and Burnley.
Furthermore, while many of this squad will be plying their trade elsewhere in a couple of seasons, they have endured defeat just twice in 13 domestic showings since the turn of October.
Despite growing cries for a change in the managerial seat, Amorim remains committed to a season-long plan and retains the support of his Ineos hierarchy.
“I’m really confident,” he stated during his post-match press conference. “We just need to recover all the players, and I’m really confident.
“I don’t know what is going to happen until the end of the season, then we will make the resume of the season, but I’m really confident when we recover all the players, we are going to be a strong team.
“There are no doubts in my mind.”
Again, do not confuse this for a pardon; I am as frustrated as you after an unacceptable showing.
But focus must turn to Sunday’s short trip to face Leeds at Elland Road, a ground where the Reds have not endured defeat since September 2002.
Nothing is ever guaranteed in the Premier League, but I can’t help but feel we will see a mandatory United response against the old enemy.
From there, anything is possible.
Let us know your thoughts about Amorim and his side in the comments or on our social channels.
Photo by News Images via depositphotos.com.
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