Pressure is piling on Rúben Amorim, and he could’ve already been sacked if it wasn’t for one Arsenal-like trait at Old Trafford.
Manchester United’s start to the season has been an improvement on last season, but they still aren’t reaching the heights that fans would be hoping for.
Rúben Amorim’s side currently sits in eighth position in the Premier League, just two points behind Chelsea in fourth place. If United had taken victory against Everton and West Ham United – the last two matches at Old Trafford – they would be just one point behind second-place Manchester City and only behind Aston Villa on goal difference.
Despite looking promising on paper, United are seriously struggling for form on the pitch. The Red Devils looked simply abysmal against Everton and West Ham, while the performances against Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest were also concerning.
It appears that United are still struggling to adapt to Amorim’s system, despite a full pre-season under the Portuguese manager.
In truth, United could be much worse off this season if it weren’t for an Arsenal-like trait they seem to have picked up in the summer.
United’s set-piece threat
Against West Ham, Diogo Dalot’s goal came from a poor corner from Amad, which was then crossed back into the box for the full-back to finish, while against Crystal Palace, both of United’s goals came from set-piece situations.
As per WhoScored, United have scored eight goals from set-pieces this season, ranking them third in the Premier League. However, United have actually scored 15 goals from set-piece situations this campaign, including the phase of play just after the set-piece is taken.
This means United have only scored seven goals in the 2025/26 Premier League, where a set-piece didn’t impact the goal.
Arsenal are known as the biggest set-piece threats in the league, but without them, United would be much worse off, and Amorim may not be in a job.
United’s poor performances this season have often been disguised by the set-piece goals that rescue a victory from the jaws of defeat.
Amorim must improve
While United are sitting in a good position in the league, it won’t be long before opponents understand how to deal with United’s set-piece threat.
When they do, Amorim will be in serious trouble. His side has been playing poor football for almost the entire season, looking toothless in attack and clueless in defence, but the set-pieces have continued to bail them out.
Perhaps without set-pieces, Amorim wouldn’t be the United manager any longer. He must improve the open play patterns if he wants to stay at Old Trafford in 2026.
This cannot go on any longer.
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