Premier League legend believes Manchester United are worse under Amorim than Ten Hag

New Man United boss Ruben Amorim || Imago

Premier League legend believes Manchester United are worse under Amorim than Ten Hag

Ayoola Kelechi 23:59 - 20.01.2025

Ruben Amorim has lost seven of the 15 matches he has overseen as Manchester United boss

Manchester United’s turbulent season took another hit with a 3-1 home defeat to Brighton, drawing sharp criticism from Premier League icon Alan Shearer.

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The Newcastle legend suggested that under current boss Ruben Amorim, the Red Devils have regressed even further compared to Erik ten Hag’s tenure, despite a managerial change intended to reverse their fortunes.

Shearer slams Amorim after Brighton loss

Speaking on The Rest is Football show, Shearer didn’t mince words about Manchester United’s struggles under Amorim.

Alan Shearer thinks Erling Haaland could break his Premier League record (Imago/PA Images)

The Portuguese manager has employed a system that alternates between three and five defenders, but Shearer believes it’s a poor fit for the squad.

The former Newcastle United striker said, “They’re actually worse now than they were under Ten Hag because of what this manager wants to do with his system. The players just can’t do it.”

Erik Ten Hag with the Emirates FA Cup Manchester United won last season.
Erik Ten Hag with the Emirates FA Cup Manchester United won last season. (Photo Credit: Imago)

Co-hosts Gary Lineker and Micah Richards joined the debate, questioning whether Amorim should adapt his strategy to better suit his squad. Richards emphasised that forcing players into an ill-suited system could lead to failure for the Red Devils.

Amorim supports theory of Manchester United decline

Amorim’s tenure has so far delivered only three wins in 11 league games, leaving United 13th in the Premier League—just one spot higher than when Ten Hag was dismissed.

Ruben Amorim
Manchester United coach Ruben Amorim is yet to sign his first player. Ruben Amorim has lost five of his nine Premier League matches as Manchester United boss (Credit: Imago)

In a post-match press conference after losing to Brighton, Amorim didn’t shy away from the club’s dire state.

Following Sunday’s defeat, he described his side as "the worst team in the history of Manchester United," adding, “I am saying that because we have to acknowledge that and change it. We are breaking all the bad records.”

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim n

The loss to Brighton marked United’s worst home record in 131 years, adding another ignominious chapter to their challenging season, as Amorim faces mounting pressure to find solutions—or risk further damaging his reputation and the club’s legacy.