Manchester United faces yet another critical juncture. The Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim who joined after Erik ten Hag’s dismissal is facing similar struggles. This begs the question – how long should the new manager be given to improve the situation?
Amorim is recognized for his strategic acumen and talent for nurturing players but he now confronts a significant challenge in transforming a team that has had difficulty maintaining consistency in recent years.
But how much time should Amorim be allowed to improve things at Old Trafford? Modern football is famously impatient, as managers are frequently sacked before they can implement their long-term strategies. Nonetheless, reconstructing a club of United’s prominence demands time, thoughtful recruitment, and a defined football philosophy.
In this article, we will examine the main challenges Amorim faces, relate his circumstances to previous United rebuilds, and evaluate the realistic timeframe he requires to create a significant impact.
What Needs Fixing at Manchester United?
Tactical Identity and Playing Style
One notable thing that many fans have complained about in recent years is a lack of a distinct playing philosophy. Following Sir Alex Ferguson’s exit, coaches such as Jose Mourinho and Erik ten Hag have introduced various approaches, yet none have been entirely accepted by the team. Amorim needs to create a distinct tactical identity—one that aligns with the modern game and enhances the capabilities of his players.
Squad Overhaul
Probably the most important thing for Amorim’s success. A key characteristic of Amorim’s tactical approach is his implementation of a 3-4-3 formation. This approach is predominantly dependent on centre-backs skilled in ball control who can advance into midfield, while wing-backs offer width and operate as both defensive and offensive options.
A majority of the players currently in the squad are a mix of expensive signings, academy graduates, and players who have been at the club through multiple managerial changes and are quite new to this style of play.
Several key positions require reinforcements, and Amorim must work closely with the recruitment team to ensure United brings in the right players to fit his system.
Naturally, fans will look at odds for football bets to see how experts view both ongoing development during a season but also prospective success at the beginning of a season. It may be a while yet before we truly know what kind of Amorim-United team rolls up to the new season in 25/26, but it’s very likely to be short of who they want to consider their domestic and European rivals: Liverpool, Man City, Bayern, and Real Madrid. So, arguably, 2025/2026 will be the true debut year, but will patience wear thin before then?
Mentality and Leadership Issues
A major issue for United in recent seasons has been a lack of strong leadership and mentality during matches. The team frequently breaks down under pressure, having difficulties in crucial matches and lacking consistency over the course of a season. Amorim will need to instill a winning mentality within the squad and identify players who can lead by example.
How Long Do Top Clubs Give Managers to Succeed?
The pressure to deliver immediate results is immense, especially at top clubs. The competitive nature of the European football, combined with high expectations from fans and owners, means that managers are often given very little time to prove themselves.
However, we have seen success from managers at top clubs who are given more time to build their squads and implement their philosophies. Take, for instance, Sir Alex Ferguson, who managed United for 26 years. His long-term success was built on patience, with the club backing him even during periods of underperformance.
Clubs like Manchester City gave Pep Guardiola time to settle in at City, and as a result, he has arguably had one of the longest managerial stays at a top club in recent years, but he spent at least five seasons before he began securing long-term success.
Jurgen Klopp as well, who arrived at Liverpool in 2015, was given several seasons to reshape the team. Despite early struggles, Klopp was given time to build his vision and eventually delivered titles.
What’s a Realistic Timeline for a United Revival?
By the end of Amorim’s first season, there may not be a trophy, but hopefully a strong tactical foundation and more cohesive team performances.
Looking ahead, there should be more substantial changes and Manchester United should be pushing for higher-level consistency.
This period will also allow time for the full implementation of his tactical philosophy, showing the board that he’s heading in the right direction.
Given United’s recent managerial turnover and the high expectations surrounding Amorim, he will likely be expected to show significant progress within two to three years. The club’s ownership, board stability, and Amorim’s ability to convince fans and players will determine how much time he is given to complete his rebuild.
