A season of upsets for the Manchester United faithful hit a new low on Sunday as Tottenham Hotspur defeated the Red Devils 1-0 in North London.
There’s a feeling things will get worse before they get better at Old Trafford.
Ruben Amorim, perceived as a club saviour at his appointment in November, seems to be driving United into the abyss.
Indeed, Amorim’s honeymoon at the Theatre of Dreams is long gone, with the ex-Sporting CP boss already facing intense scrutiny.
No light, only darkness
Amorim was supposed to be a light-bringer. Instead, all Man Utd fans can see now is an eternal darkness.
Tensions are palpable as the record-time English champions languish in 15th in the Premier League standings amid the club’s worst campaign in recent memory.
For context, Spurs pulled off their first league double over the Red Devils for the first time in the Premier League era, last achieving this feat in 1989/90.
However, that’s just the tip of the iceberg, with United’s epic fall from grace dominating the Sports news around the globe.
Saturday’s loss in the capital marked Man Utd’s 12th in 25 rounds this season, accounting for their worst 25-game league start since 1973/74.
It was ominously the last time they suffered relegation from the top flight, a scenario they’ll probably avoid this term despite all the downsides.
Work in progress
Everyone close to the club agrees Amorim needs time to turn Man Utd’s fortunes around and orchestrate a long-awaited resurrection.
With a top-seven finish already a pipe dream, it feels like Amorim’s charges are letting this campaign slip away.
However, that could be counterproductive in the long run.
United cannot afford to completely write off the season, as a club of their stature should always strive to compete at the highest level.
Even if European qualification is a long shot, the Red Devils must fight to salvage some pride and keep their long-term project appealing to potential signings.
A strong finish could lay the foundation for next season, ensuring Amorim has a platform to build upon rather than facing an outright crisis.
Reconstruction underway
According to Sports Business Journal, Man Utd are on the verge of appointing Marc Armstrong as chief business officer.
‘Lengthy negotiations’ with French Ligue 1 powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain could soon come to fruition.
Considered among the best in the branch, Armstrong has been directing PSG’s ‘business strategy’ since 2022.
His appointment should mark the beginning of a new era at Old Trafford.
A seasoned professional, Armstrong served as Head of Business Development at the Football Association until 2007 before transitioning to a role with TEAM Marketing.
In 2012, he moved to the U.S. to become Vice President of Marketing Partnerships for the NBA.
Pressing matters
While awaiting changes in the hierarchy, Man Utd must focus on improving on the field.
Despite being all but ruled out of contention for European qualification, settling for a bottom-half finish is unacceptable for a club of this magnitude.
Last season’s eighth-place finish under Erik ten Hag was United’s worst in the Premier League era.
However, replicating that result this term now looks like a distant dream, with eight points separating Amorim’s side and tenth-placed Brighton & Hove Albion with 13 games to go.
Yet, the Red Devils would be well-advised to give their best shot for what’s left of this forgettable league campaign.
Saving grace
While things are looking bleak in the Premier League, Man Utd could still avoid a trophyless season.
Already out of the domestic cup competitions, United have the luxury to channel their full focus into the Europa League.
Living up to their pre-tournament favourite tag could provide a silver lining and offer a backdoor route into next season’s Champions League.
More importantly, it could be a turning point for Amorim’s managerial career in Manchester.