Ratcliffe gives time frame for Amorim

Even when Manchester United are not playing they are losing. The revival of former players across Europe says as much about Old Trafford’s dysfunction as any defeat at home. Rasmus Hojlund, who managed just four goals in 23 Premier League starts last season, has already scored three in five matches for Napoli. Two of those came in the Champions League this week, with Kevin De Bruyne comparing him to his former Manchester City teammate Erling Haaland.

Older observers might have seen something of Nat Lofthouse in Hojlund’s efforts against Sporting CP. “The first galloping onto an exquisite pass from De Bruyne, the second bravely heading home an in-swinging cross.” It is an argument that reinforces the view his struggles at United stemmed from poor service, rather than a lack of ability.

Marcus Rashford has also rediscovered form at Barcelona. His assist against Paris Saint-Germain deserved more reward than a late defeat, while two Champions League goals at Newcastle reminded everyone of his old class. “Ok, he has one mark against him. Hansi Flick stood him down immediately for turning up late for training,” but beyond that his performances have carried the old penetrating swagger.

Even Antony is proving his worth at Real Betis, scoring a late equaliser against Nottingham Forest in the Europa League. He puts it down to feeling valued. “Money is important, he says, but happiness is worth more.” These rebounds underline that the cultural reset at United has not brought renewal, but another kind of poison.

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United’s next fixture at home to Sunderland suddenly carries significance it never should. Endless mismanagement has heightened pressure on Ruben Amorim, yet Sir Jim Ratcliffe continues to project patience. “Ratcliffe, it is said, believes Amorim is deserving of a full season.”

It is hard to see what 32 more games will change, given the evidence of the 33 that have already passed. Last season’s struggles have been repeated this term. United have lost more than they have won, conceded more than they have scored and average one point per match. A humiliation at the hands of fourth-tier Grimsby still lingers.

Despite the arrival of a refreshed forward line that includes Benjamin Sesko and other proven Premier League players, the flaws remain the same. There is still no commanding defensive midfielder, no reliable goalkeeper, and a manager who appears overwhelmed.

When Ratcliffe took over on Christmas Eve 2023, he targeted outdated culture as United’s main problem. He introduced a new hierarchy, swept away Glazer-era executives, unveiled a £50m training ground upgrade and cut more than 400 jobs. That is certainly a shift. But culture is people, and results are shaped by those running the club. If the old culture brought failure, then the current struggles point to a problem with the new one.

Ratcliffe acted quickly to dismantle what he saw as a failing structure, but in doing so he may have created new instability. The belief in Amorim seems increasingly illogical. “He acted with alacrity to clean up the old mess, but in doing so appears to have created a new shitshow.”

The hope that Amorim might eventually find his footing feels misplaced. His awareness of United’s flaws is clear, but recognition is not the same as fixing them. His touchline demeanour has become a metaphor for his reign. “Settling into pained crouches in the technical area is not coaching.” His post-match reflections often resemble distress more than leadership. “Not waving, but drowning.”

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The flourishing of former players abroad suggests the issue lies not in their talent but in United’s internal environment. Those in charge of judging ability and managing culture are not providing the foundation required for success. Hojlund, Rashford and Antony are thriving because they feel valued, supported and tactically integrated. United, meanwhile, appear to be running in circles, no closer to solving their long-term problems.

From a Manchester United supporter’s perspective, this report is both painful and predictable. Fans have long argued that the club’s struggles are less about individual players and more about how the club is run. Seeing Hojlund scoring freely in Naples, Rashford shining in Barcelona and even Antony finding joy at Betis is a reminder of what has been wasted. These were not bad players, they were simply stuck in a toxic environment.

The patience Sir Jim Ratcliffe is showing towards Ruben Amorim feels like indulgence. Supporters can see that the same flaws keep repeating. No credible defensive midfielder, no commanding goalkeeper and a coach who looks out of his depth. It is not enough to improve facilities or reorganise the executive structure if the results on the pitch remain dismal.

For many, the loyalty given to Amorim has shades of the misplaced persistence shown with past managers. The culture of Manchester United has always been built on winning, on demanding excellence from those in charge, and that culture feels lost. The home match against Sunderland, once a routine fixture, now looks like a referendum on Amorim’s future. Fans are tired of talk about patience and cultural resets, they want evidence that the club is moving forward. Until then, watching their former stars shine elsewhere will remain a bitter irony.