Ruben Amorim may be steering Manchester United towards a potential Europa League final, but the club’s domestic form under his management has reached historically poor levels.
Saturday’s limp 1-0 home defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers was United’s 15th league loss of the season – a club record in the Premier League era.
For a team of United’s stature, no amount of European progress can offset that level of regression in the league.
Amorim’s post-match message was clear – United’s inability to convert chances continues to cost them. But that explanation is beginning to wear thin.
Since he replaced Erik ten Hag in November, his side has failed to score in nine of their 22 Premier League games, and the overall attacking structure remains unconvincing.
Although they have shown brief flashes – including scoring twice at Manchester City and Liverpool – these moments are rare exceptions rather than signs of a developing identity.
Joshua Zirkzee’s injury has left Rasmus Hojlund as United’s only available senior striker, but he is struggling to make any tangible impact.
Since Amorim’s arrival, Hojlund has scored just twice in the league and not shown the level of quality expected from the club’s £72 million investment.
Amorim continues to publicly support him, but it is clear that United’s lack of a functional attacking unit is undermining their season.
Only five teams – including the bottom three – have scored fewer than their 38 league goals this season.
For a side still boasting attacking talents such as Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho, this speaks to tactical failings rather than just missed chances.
Amorim has highlighted the need for patience and a long-term plan, but supporters have little appetite for excuses while the team sinks to new lows in the league.
The success of Wolves’ own Portuguese manager, Vitor Pereira, only adds to the pressure, with the visitors looking more organised, committed and effective at both ends of the pitch.
With just a handful of league matches left and United’s worst top-flight campaign in over six decades still unfolding, Amorim must treat the Premier League with the urgency it demands.
European success would offer some consolation, but no United manager can afford to disregard domestic form on this scale.
For Amorim, a shift in priorities is not just advisable – it is essential.
