As Ruben Amorim settles into his new role as Manchester United manager, the Portuguese coach faces the daunting task of reviving a fallen giant. The Red Devils, once the undisputed kings of English football under Sir Alex Ferguson, have endured a decade of disappointment and underachievement since the legendary Scot’s retirement in 2013.
A Shadow of Their Former Selves
In the post-Ferguson era, Manchester United have become a pale imitation of the dominant force they once were. A succession of high-profile managers – including David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and most recently, Erik ten Hag – have tried and failed to replicate the success enjoyed under Ferguson.
The club’s trophy haul over the past 11 years speaks volumes about their decline:
- 2 FA Cups (2016, 2024)
- 2 League Cups (2017, 2023)
- 1 Europa League (2017)
While this would be considered a successful period for many clubs, it falls well short of the standards set during Ferguson’s 27-year reign, which yielded an astonishing 38 trophies, including 13 Premier League titles and 2 Champions League triumphs.
The Impossible Job?
Amorim’s predecessors have discovered that meeting the expectations of Manchester United’s global fanbase is an almost impossible task. The demands are relentless: win trophies, play attractive football, and do it all while competing against the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool, and a host of other well-funded rivals.
“With expectation comes pressure and with pressure comes scrutiny. It’s a difficult task. Manchester United is a club which is constantly under media attention.”
– Rene Meulensteen, former United first-team coach
The weight of history hangs heavy on the shoulders of any United manager. They are not only compared to Ferguson, but also to the likes of Sir Matt Busby, who built the famous “Busby Babes” team of the 1950s. Living up to such a storied past has proven to be a burden too great for even the most experienced and successful coaches.
A New Hope?
Yet there is cause for optimism among the United faithful. Amorim arrives at Old Trafford with a growing reputation, having led Sporting CP to the Portuguese title in 2021. At just 39 years of age, he represents a fresh start and a break from the past.
The club’s hierarchy, too, has undergone significant changes, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe taking over as co-owner in February 2024. The British billionaire has promised to back Amorim in the transfer market and provide the tools necessary for United to compete at the highest level once again.
“Call me naive, but I truly believe I am the right guy in the right moment. I could be wrong but the earth still will turn, the sun will rise again, it doesn’t matter, I’m not worried about that. I truly believe I’m the right guy for this job.”
– Ruben Amorim, Manchester United manager
Only time will tell if Amorim is indeed the “right guy” to awaken the sleeping giant that is Manchester United. The challenges he faces are immense, the expectations perhaps unrealistic. But if he can navigate the pressure and deliver success on the pitch, he may just become the hero United have been searching for since Ferguson’s departure.
The road ahead is long and fraught with obstacles, but for now, there is renewed hope at Old Trafford. Hope that Amorim can succeed where others have failed. Hope that Manchester United can once again take their place at the pinnacle of English and European football.
The Ruben Amorim era has begun. The football world watches with bated breath to see if he can accomplish what many believe to be the impossible job.
