Amorim Under Fire at Manchester United
Locales: UNITED KINGDOM, PORTUGAL

Manchester, England - February 23rd, 2026 - The heat is on Ruben Amorim at Manchester United following a string of disappointing results and increasingly vocal criticism, most recently from club legend Roy Keane. While appointed with high expectations following the dismissal of Erik ten Hag at the end of the 2024-2025 season, Amorim's tenure so far has failed to ignite the Old Trafford faithful, leaving the club's future in a state of uncertainty.
Keane, known for his brutally honest assessments, didn't hold back during his recent appearance on Sky Sports, stating that he's "just not seeing the improvement" despite the considerable talent within the United squad. This sentiment echoes the growing frustrations of fans and pundits alike. The club currently sits a disheartening eighth in the Premier League, a far cry from the title contention many predicted before the season began, and their chances of securing Champions League football for the 2026-2027 campaign are rapidly diminishing.
Amorim arrived at United with a reputation for exciting, attacking football honed during his successful stint at Sporting CP. He was lauded for his ability to develop young players and implement a dynamic tactical system. However, this approach has seemingly failed to translate to the Premier League, with United consistently underperforming against both established top-six rivals and lower-table opposition.
Keane's critique isn't simply about results; it's about the how of those results. He specifically pinpointed Amorim's tactical inflexibility as a major flaw. "Tactically, I'm not seeing enough," Keane asserted. "He's not reacting well enough to what's going on in games. You've got to be able to adapt, and I'm not seeing that." This observation suggests that Amorim is struggling to identify and exploit weaknesses in opposing teams, or to adjust his game plan when faced with unforeseen challenges during matches.
The issue isn't a lack of personnel. Manchester United boasts a squad brimming with international talent - players like Rasmus Hojlund, Bruno Fernandes, and a rejuvenated Jadon Sancho (following a successful loan spell in the previous season) are capable of moments of brilliance. However, these individual flashes are not being consistently woven into a cohesive team performance. Keane's point about a manager's responsibility to "get the best" out of his players is a crucial one, and he clearly believes Amorim is failing in that regard.
The pressure on Amorim isn't just external. Reports suggest that internal discussions are taking place within the United hierarchy regarding the team's direction. While the club remains publicly supportive of the manager, the dwindling Champions League hopes and the growing unrest amongst supporters are undoubtedly raising serious questions. The financial implications of missing out on Champions League revenue are significant, and the club's ownership group will be eager to see a return on their investment.
Analysts are pointing to a potential lack of a clear tactical identity under Amorim. While Ten Hag's style sometimes felt rigid, it was at least identifiable. Amorim's United appears to be drifting between formations and approaches without a discernible philosophy, leading to inconsistency and a lack of confidence within the squad. Comparisons are being drawn to previous managerial appointments at Old Trafford who struggled to impose their vision on a team accustomed to a certain style of play.
Keane's concluding statement - "I'm not sure he's the answer" - is a damning indictment, and it's unlikely to be the last critical voice adding to the growing chorus of doubt surrounding Amorim's future. The next few weeks will be crucial. United face a challenging run of fixtures, and Amorim needs to deliver a significant turnaround in form to silence his critics and secure his position as manager. The question now isn't if changes will be made, but when.
Read the Full Sporting News Article at:
[ https://www.sportingnews.com/uk/football/manchester-united/news/premier-league-legend-slams-ruben-amorim-man-utd-struggles/763e0b1e05e1176e376a88a7 ]