Opinions
Rúben Amorim has just achieved something every manager since Sir Alex Ferguson failed and it speaks volumes
Rúben Amorim has achieved a feat no Manchester United manager other than Sir Alex Ferguson has managed to complete, and it speaks volumes about his future.
Manchester United wrapped up the league phase of their Europa League campaign with a cmposed 2-0 victory over FCSB, as Rúben Amorim’s side managed a tense evening in Romania to book their place in the knockout rounds.
United started with intent, looking to control possession and apply early pressure. Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund made intelligent runs in attack, but despite some promising deliveries and a strong chance for the Danish striker, the Reds were unable to break the deadlock before half-time.
At the interval, Amorim introduced Amad and Alejandro Garnacho in place of Toby Collyer and Tyrell Malacia. Garnacho almost made an immediate impact, striking the post within minutes of coming on.
The breakthrough arrived on the hour mark when Diogo Dalot arrived at the far post to convert a well-worked move, with Mainoo supplying the assist. The young midfielder then turned scorer, finishing coolly to double United’s advantage and cap off a fine individual display.
With a two-goal lead and the game under control, United managed the closing stages professionally, securing a clean sheet and sealing their place in the Europa League knockout rounds after finishing third in the league.
Amorim achieves feat on par with Sir Alex Ferguson
While the club have certainly had their failings and shortcomings in the Premier League since Amorim’s arrival, their Europa League form has been fantastic.
The club sat 21st in the competition when Erik ten Hag was dismissed in October, but with the club having won all five games since then in the league stage, the side finished third and is the only team in the competition to remain unbeaten.
With Ruud van Nistelrooy in charge for one of these wins, Amorim took control of the other four, defeating Bodo/Glimt, FV Plzen, Rangers, and finally, FCSB.
This is great European form, and in fact, the victory over FCSB and three prior to this has made Amorim only the second manager in United’s history to win their opening four major European matches since Sir Alex Ferguson.
Amorim’s four wins speak volumes
Amorim being able to stabilise United’s form in Europa and drag them up the league table into the auto-qualification positions and just one point off the top of the table by the end of the eighth and final game week is brilliant.
Despite the poor Premier League performances, Amorim’s consistency and impressive managerial displays in Europe speak to the fact that he is able to create a winning feel, and this will hopefully creep into the domestic competitions, too.
Even further, the fact that Amorim joined at a more unstable time than any previous United boss in the last decade and achieved this feat while others failed is a testament to his talent as a coach.
United have won five of their seven games in 2025 so far, drawing one and losing one, but even then, the draw was against Premier League leaders Liverpool away from home.
Amorim’s good job in the Europa League so far is hopefully a sign of good things to come in the Premier League and FA Cup.
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