Manchester United Stick with Head Coach Despite Worst League Start in Decades

Manchester United are enduring their poorest beginning to a Premier League campaign in 33 years following a 3-0 derby loss to Manchester City on Sunday. Ruben Amorim’s position has become a hot topic, yet the club insists there are no immediate plans to replace him. United face Chelsea this Saturday, live on Sky Sports.

Amorim has made it clear that he will not compromise on his footballing philosophy, and his employers remain committed to keeping faith in him. United are focused on a long-term vision, and while frustrations with results are mounting, there will be no knee-jerk decisions or constant evaluations of his job security after each setback, regardless of external criticism.

Since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure 12 years ago, United have cycled through two interim managers and eight permanent ones. Club executives are determined not to reset the process yet again with a ninth.

Still, Amorim urgently needs a strong performance and a positive outcome against Chelsea this weekend. Anything less will only intensify the calls for his dismissal.

With just four points from their first four matches, United are off to their worst league start since 1992/93. They also crashed out of the Carabao Cup at the hands of League Two side Grimsby Town, one of just three trophies available this season.

This comes on the back of a disastrous campaign last year, when United recorded their lowest-ever Premier League points total (42) and the highest number of defeats (15).

For the fans, it has been painful viewing. Amorim admits he understands the supporters’ disappointment, but insists he feels their pain even more as he works to turn the tide.

The board recognizes the scale of the rebuild and accepts that there are no instant solutions for Old Trafford’s struggles. Yet, all sides agree that current performances are falling well short of expectations.

Fine Margins Proving Costly

Losing heavily in a Manchester derby to your city rivals always hurts, but insiders at Old Trafford believe the 3-0 scoreline didn’t fully reflect the match. While Pep Guardiola’s men were deserved winners, United were left frustrated with the manner of the goals conceded, especially Erling Haaland’s second, which came after United left their defensive half wide open.

There is also a sense of pragmatism in the boardroom. They acknowledge that if Bryan Mbeumo’s stunning volley hadn’t been denied by a superb Gianluigi Donnarumma save at 2-0, or if Casemiro hadn’t missed a clear chance at the back post, the result may have looked less damaging.

For Amorim and the hierarchy, these small details are currently going against them.

Compounding the situation are key injuries. Mason Mount and Matheus Cunha’s absences have hit the team hard, exposing United’s lack of depth compared to the other “Big Six” clubs. Executives know it will take several transfer windows and smart recruitment to close that gap. Both Mount and Cunha are expected back soon.

Benjamin Sesko is still finding his feet in English football, but there is optimism that he is slowly adjusting. Sunday marked his first league start, though he received little quality service.

Sticking to His System

Amorim’s insistence on sticking with three center-backs remains a contentious issue. “When I decide to change my philosophy, I will. If not, you have to change the man,” he declared after Sunday’s defeat.

This wasn’t the first time he has essentially challenged the club to back him or let him go. But when United appointed him last November, they knew exactly what style and approach he would bring.

Mainoo’s Role in Question

There is still belief among many that Amorim’s tactical setup can work. However, some are puzzled that Kobbie Mainoo has been overlooked despite the midfield’s ongoing struggles.

The 20-year-old impressed in his cameo against City, leaving many fans questioning why he hasn’t started a league game yet. Amorim maintains that Mainoo is still developing and not yet ready to anchor the midfield. The manager is personally overseeing his progress, but for now, Mainoo remains outside the first-choice lineup.

Patience, But Not Forever

From the club’s perspective, little has changed after the derby defeat. They continue to see the rebuild as a long-term process and have no appetite to abandon the project prematurely.

That said, patience is not unlimited. The board is clear that improvements must come sooner rather than later.

Pressure is mounting from outside the club, with legends like Wayne Rooney, Roy Keane, and Gary Neville voicing concerns that standards have slipped too far. Amorim knows better than anyone that results must improve quickly.

For now, Manchester United are holding their nerve. The challenge for Amorim is to prove their trust is justified, starting this weekend against Chelsea.