For the last 15 months, Manchester United fans have become accustomed to hell.
Well not exactly hell, but it is as close as it can get.
They have seen their players try to play out from the back only to lose the ball and concede goals.
Or they have seen their forwards impotently try to break down opponents before tamely giving the ball away.
Outplayed and outrun while head coach Erik ten Hag stood on the sidelines in stunned silence. Obvious not according to his plan.
The fact is the manager has to shoulder the blame when his team doesn’t perform and ten Hag was rightly sacked, even if the timing was questionable.
So should the players who have failed to carry out the instructions of their coaches and struggle to score open goals.
But then again, the managers who have stepped in weren’t exactly amateurs. We have seen treble winners and decorated coaches made to look like amateurs.
Then there are the players, some of whom are world cup winners and champions league legends. They look lost while donning the colors of the Red Devils.
It is well documented how poor the club’s transfer strategy has been over the last 11 years. They have bought players who don’t suit the manager’s profile or have overpaid for players.
Either ways, the squad is filled with players who fail to suit any one ideology or principle of play.
Then there is the midfield. Manchester United lack a reliable player who can help progress play from the deep midfield.
Sure they have Eriksen who is superb at ball carrying and ball progression. However he doesn’t have the legs to play every week.
Then there is Kobbie Mainoo who is superb at carrying the ball and even positions himself well. But his ability in progress the ball is still lacking, though he still has time to add that to his game.
Another player who could play that role is captain Bruno Fernandez. But nobody else in the team can match the sheer volume of chances he creates. He has to play in advanced midfield.
Then there is the inexperience of the forwards Hojlund and Zirkzee. It is clear why ten Hag wanted Harry Kane and then Danny Welbeck.
There is potential in this squad. But they are lacking in certain areas which spoils the balance of the team.
So what to expect from Ruben Amorim?
For starters, it is his job to salvage anything from this season. While expectations will be low for the remainder, the bare minimum would be to establish a coherent style of play.
The next would be work with transfer department to ensure he gets the appropriate players for his system. The onus lies on Ineos to ensure the right personell are in place to assist the coach.
Even if they don’t, the head coach will have to deal with the results – good or bad.
I would like to say not to expect from anything from Ruben Amorim. However, that’s not how the world of Football works.
I don’t envy the job at hand for Amorim. His success doesn’t lie in his hands and yet he stands to lose his reputation if he fails.
