Ruben Amorim’s reign at Manchester United began with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town. The performance left fans wondering if he can truly turn the club’s fortunes around.
United’s problems run deeper than managerial appointments. Fans and online sports betting enthusiasts may be more optimistic about a United revival than they were before, but the club’s structural and financial issues need fixing first.
A History of Managerial Missteps
Manchester United (142.80) has hired some of the best managers in soccer. Louis van Gaal brought his vast experience, but his style didn’t connect with the fans or players.
Jose Mourinho delivered trophies but failed to attain consistent returns and clashed with players. Erik ten Hag showed early promise but also fell out with players and couldn’t maintain consistency. The club has also gambled on less proven names like Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Despite these appointments, success has been elusive. The root cause lies not in the dugout but in the boardroom.
The Ineos Takeover: Hope or More Uncertainty?
Ineos has taken control of Manchester United’s sporting project. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s company now has a 25% stake in the club, and it focuses on improving on-field results.
This investment offers hope for fans. However, Ineos has yet to prove it can rebuild a club of this magnitude. Their sporting ventures in cycling and Formula 1 have been successful, but soccer is a different challenge.
The Glazer family’s mishandling of the club has left a lasting mark. Their leveraged buyout drained resources, burdening the club with debt. Ineos faces a daunting task to undo years of mismanagement.
Financial Turmoil
United’s finances have suffered under the Glazers. The owners prioritised short-term gains over long-term stability. This approach has led to significant debt and patchy investments in the squad.
Spending has often been reactive rather than strategic. Expensive signings like Paul Pogba and Jadon Sancho have failed to deliver consistent results. Meanwhile, other areas of the squad remain underdeveloped.
Amorim inherits a talented but unbalanced team. To succeed, he needs more than just a transfer budget; he needs a coherent sporting strategy.
Amorim’s Task Ahead
Ruben Amorim is known for his innovative tactics and success at Sporting CP (1.43). However, he is stepping into a club where deeper problems exist.
United’s failure to dominate Ipswich Town highlights these issues. A draw against a newly promoted side should set alarm bells ringing. Amorim must work with the resources available while demanding structural changes.
The Portuguese manager has potential, but he isn’t a silver bullet. He can’t fix financial woes or overhaul the club’s structure on his own.
A Long Road to Success
Manchester United fans need patience. A quick turnaround is unlikely, even with a talented manager. The Ineos era could bring the change the club desperately needs, but it will take time to implement.
The club must focus on building a sustainable structure. A clearer vision for recruitment, youth development, and squad balance is vital. Without this, no manager can succeed in the long term.
United’s issues are complex and intertwined. Amorim might steady the ship, but the club’s deeper problems require a collective effort to solve.
