With five games under his Manchester United belt, Ruben Amorim has enjoyed highs and lows while attempting to battle the expectations of Premier League life.
Two wins, two defeats and a solitary draw accompany ten goals scored and eight conceded, with an undeniable quality to his approach on the field and in the media room.
For many, this season has already been disregarded as an experimental venture to accommodate a lack of pre-season and understanding with his squad.
But this is not a universal thought process, with others believing the qualities of many of their expensively assembled team are capable of far more than currently showing.
Furthermore, while patience is a virtue you would expect from Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his lieutenants, recent developments with Dan Ashworth have confirmed otherwise.
So, as we prepare for Thursday’s Europa League trip to Viktoria Plzen, I spoke with supporters at Old Trafford to establish their expectations ahead of a congested Christmas period and the second half of another tumultuous campaign.
Amorim needs time!
One side of a debate that is beginning to gain traction is firmly in the corner of patience, understanding and trust in our Portuguese coach.
Fundamentally, supporters can vent their frustration while appreciating the magnitude of the task.
That was the view of many following Saturday’s defeat to Nottingham Forest.
“He’s [Amorim] just in the door and has a mountain to climb,” Steve (46) stated passionately.
“How can we expect him to arrive and wave a magic wand to fix this mess? Half of this lot shouldn’t be here anyway, and he’s supposed to kick a tune into them in a couple of weeks?
“Back-to-back defeats hurt – especially when this lot [Nottingham Forest] have come here today and taken three points for the first time in what, 30 years?
“But you can see what he’s trying to do – it’s bloody obvious. I haven’t been able to say that for some time, so that’s progress.
“Give the lad time. He’ll come good.”
Why should he be given a free pass?
Despite the defeat and the nature of the self-destruction witnessed, most Reds were largely positive about United’s prospects under the Portuguese.
Regardless of opinion about the season, there is a shared belief in Ruben Amorim’s abilities. However, some share a viewpoint that gathers comparisons from rivals.
“I’m backing this chap 100%, and I know he’ll come good,” Craig (30) advised me. “But he needs backing and support from this shower above him.
“I will say, though, he shouldn’t get a pass. What’s the point in sacking [Erik] Ten Hag if we’re not going to show ambition?
“Has Ruben inherited a useless squad? No. There’s quite a few need a kick up the arse, but there is plenty of quality there.
“Take Chelsea with [Enzo] Maresca or Villa with [Unai] Emery – they were able to impose themselves fairly quickly, and their vision was clear. The results followed almost immediately.
“Are you gonna tell me that Marcus Rashford, Garna, Kobbie, Licha, Mazraoui, Hojlund, Diallo – Jesus Christ, how good is Amad Diallo, mate? Are you going to tell me these lot can’t play?
“I don’t see a reason why he can’t get a tune out of the squad relatively quick. They’ve let too many down before. I’m confident Amorim can get this lot playing, and he should be required to do so!”
It’s a hard one to judge
The above opinions are conflicting but shared by hundreds of the United faithful. That’s not to say it’s one or the other or nothing because many are on the fence or disillusioned with what they see.
Jerry Mack is a veteran Red at 78 and, in his own words, “has seen a fair share of bulls**t in his time”.
“Supporters these days want success yesterday – they expect nothing but success,” he told me. “Fergie offered something unique for us Reds, and the ramifications have held a long-lasting effect.
“Erik tried everything he could to settle this ship, but how could he fend off the nonsense above him, the rubbish in the press, and the issues in the dressing room?
“This new chap is young, obviously very talented and a likeable guy – I really like him. But that isn’t going to keep Jim and the money-men happy for very long. He needs support, and how can we bank on him being taken care of when the average Joe is punished to come and watch the football?
“I want to give him time to succeed because he should get two to three years – any manager should. But will he get that time?
“I think he needs to find a winning remedy sooner rather than later, and that’s not fair. But that’s the reality he has entered. The poor bloke. It’s so hard to judge any manager or head coach these days because as soon as it gets a little tricky, the media come out looking for their pound of flesh.”
As a Manchester United supporter reading this – wherever you are in the world – what is your opinion?
How have the last six months shaped your viewpoint about your football club and the future under Ruben Amorim?
Let us know your feelings in the comments or across any of our social media channels. We want to hear from as many of you as possible.
Your opinion matters whether five minutes or 5,000 miles away.
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