Progression, or at least the Manchester interpretation of the word, generates a fickle conversation amongst the United fanbase.
For some, nothing other than the pursuit of perennial silverware will suffice for the 20-time English champions. For others, the damage from two decades of Glazer mismanagement is taken into consideration.
Ruben Amorim is the latest in a long list of tacticians to feel the wrath of an ever-hungry media, working hand in hand with the perils of a toxic social environment.
His task, as profoundly complex as any in European football, is to cleanse a rotten dressing room, re-establish the proud traditions in the North West, and ensure Premier League growth despite a wave of issues.
With 29 points from 18 domestic outings, his side sits three points behind the reigning champions, Liverpool, and level with the multi-million-pound-spending Chelsea in the race for Champions League football.
But with influential characters like Gary Neville and Paul Scholes routinely shifting expectations and regularly dismissing any form of growth, Amorim’s task is made even more complicated.
So, what exactly is progress for the Reds, and, more importantly, does Ruben have an iota of an opportunity to achieve something resembling this?
When is progress actually progress for Ruben Amorim and Manchester United?
It may seem like a funny question, but it is a valid one due to the constantly shifting goalposts.
Unquestionably, results are the priority for any United manager. Still, while some choose to factor a hideous debut campaign into every conversation relating to the present standing, many refuse to recognise actual growth.
Amorim’s overall English win ratio of 39.34% makes for grim reading. But should that discredit the obvious progression we see today, particularly since the turn of October?
| From season start to December 26th | 2024-25 Premier League | 2025-26 Premier League |
| Games played | 18 | 18 |
| Wins | 6 | 8 |
| Draws | 4 | 5 |
| Defeats | 8 | 5 |
| Goal difference | -3 | +4 |
| Points | 22 | 29 |
This conversation is not rocket science. It’s plain to see that results are improving year on year.
Regardless of your personal opinion about the former Sporting man, choosing to disregard this is nothing more than embracing an agenda, similar to many of your would-be reputable media organisations.
It’s also worthwhile noting that during this 18-game period last season, United failed to win back-to-back games once, but endured consecutive defeats on three separate occasions.
A hard-fought Friday evening victory over Newcastle set the stage for a favourable run of fixtures against Wolves, Leeds and Burnley.
Despite missing more than half of a regular first-team lineup, United battled admirably in the face of adversity, limiting their guests to the bare minimum of clear-cut opportunities.
Furthermore, we saw ample tactical flexibility, numerous academy starlets on display, and a welcome clean sheet, answering the various calls from disgruntled individuals.
But this was not enough for some, with the usual suspects choosing to use their platforms to generate further notoriety alongside the applause of a juvenile audience.
Again, if this is not a sign of progression, what exactly are we witnessing?
I assure you, contrary to this dated line about accepting lower standards, many of this current squad will not be playing their football at Old Trafford in a couple of years.
What we see today is the Frankenstein collection of several different managers, with each individual attempting to mould their vision of a perfect structure.
Today, working alongside an ambitious Ineos hierarchy, Amorim has recruited impressive names, like Ayden Heaven, Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Senne Lammes.
These signings represent the United of the future, a football club aiming to achieve its Project 150 while earning perennial growth that is visible for all.
Progression is never linear, and although paper will never refuse ink, we are beginning to witness something resembling an upward trend.
Whether you choose to ignore this is entirely up to you.
How do you feel about Ruben, his Manchester United squad, and the rest of the season? Let us know in the comments or on our social channels.
Photo by operations@newsimages.co.uk via depositphotos.com.
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