Manchester United’s recent 2-2 draw against Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in the Premier League to five games, elevating them to seventh in the standings. This is a significant improvement compared to the struggles of last season. However, some observers believe this performance is more akin to learning to ride a bike with stabilisers rather than executing impressive wheelies. Regardless, five matches without defeat should bring at least a hint of optimism to fans at Old Trafford.
Ruben Amorim’s Year in Charge
Ruben Amorim has now completed a full year in charge of Manchester United. His first campaign was disappointing, resulting in a 15th-place finish and missing out on European competition. While the current resurgence has alleviated some of the pressure on him, doubts remain about whether real progress is being made or if this is merely a temporary blip.
Critics Voice Concerns
Former Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink remains skeptical. Following the draw against Spurs, he challenged anyone to point out evident signs of improvement under Amorim. He questioned, “Where? Where have they improved?” Hasselbaink pointed out that Manchester United have not scored more goals or conceded fewer. Furthermore, there are no trophies to show for their efforts. Although the team reached a European final, they lost to a side considered inferior. According to Hasselbaink, the team has a lot of work ahead, especially in terms of creativity.
Current Season Metrics
Analyzing the current campaign under Amorim, the results are mixed. Key performance metrics include:
- Goals Scored: 1.7 per match
- Goals Conceded: 1.6 per match
- Average Possession: 50.6%
- Clean Sheets: Just one so far
Despite these statistics, United sits only one point behind fourth-placed Sunderland, indicating that some momentum may be building.
A Potential Boost from Injuries
A much-needed boost could arrive with the return of Lisandro Martinez to training. The Argentine defender is aiming to rejoin the first-team squad in the upcoming weeks. Additionally, the team benefits from a schedule that lacks European midweek travel, offering Amorim the chance to solidify their form and climb closer to the coveted top-four spots.
Conclusion: Hope for the Future
In the realm of football, evaluating a manager’s impact requires considering both attacking and defensive capabilities. For now, Manchester United’s fans will take comfort in their brief period of upward movement. This could be just enough to sway even the staunchest critics into believing that this rebuild is more than a temporary respite from past failures. With a touch of luck and a sprinkle of creativity, the team may even start securing more clean sheets—and victories that matter.