Manchester United’s 1-0 loss to Tottenham in the Europa League final marked more than just the end of a disappointing season—it may also signal the beginning of the end for Ruben Amorim’s tenure. Public backing remains from Sir Jim Ratcliffe and United’s leadership, but behind the scenes, confidence is beginning to waver.
Amorim’s post-match statement, in which he offered to leave immediately if deemed unsuitable, struck a raw and revealing tone. While framed as accountability, it has only deepened the perception of instability within the club.
“If the board and fans feel I am not the right guy, I will go the next day without any conversation about compensation.”
This remark may have been intended as strength, but in the volatile world of elite football, it has only poured fuel on the fire.
Defeated in Bilbao.#MUFC || #UELfinal
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 21, 2025
A Season Without Europe: A Crushing Financial and Sporting Blow
Manchester United will not feature in European competition next season. This is not just a sporting failure—it is a commercial disaster. The £100 million that could have come from Champions League qualification is gone. This absence drastically limits Manchester United’s leverage in the transfer market, forcing the club to reevaluate its priorities and spending strategy.
The financial implications are immense. Fewer marquee signings. Greater reliance on underperforming squad members. A major blow to the club’s ability to attract elite players, especially with competitors like Aston Villa now boasting Champions League credentials.
Manchester United Offensive Inefficiency: The Root of the Crisis
The Europa League final exposed a recurring flaw: United’s inability to score. Despite creating several chances, United failed to find the net—a trend that has plagued them all season. In 33 matches since January, United have drawn a blank 11 times. In the Premier League, Amorim has only managed six victories, half of which came against relegated teams.
The lack of goals isn’t due to a singular failing. Amorim himself noted that it’s “not one guy,” but rather a collective problem. However, several individuals have become symbolic of this issue.
- Rasmus Højlund has been criticized internally, even referred to as “a Championship player” by a former senior figure.
- Mason Mount continues to offer little impact.
- Amad Diallo, though promising, still lacks final product.
Manchester United Squad Uncertainty and Looming Departures
Several key decisions now face Amorim and the board. Victor Lindelöf and Christian Eriksen are expected to leave with their contracts expiring. Meanwhile, the futures of Garnacho, Mainoo, and even captain Bruno Fernandes are under the microscope. The Saudi Pro League has shown interest in Fernandes, and although the club insists he is not for sale, every player’s price may soon be negotiable.
Amorim is constrained. He cannot overhaul the entire team. He must work with many of the same players who failed him in Bilbao. The problem? Most of them, as critics point out, simply aren’t good enough.
Manchester United Fan Discontent Reaches Boiling Point
Anger among the supporters is palpable. Fan groups have already threatened protests ahead of the next fixture against Aston Villa. The mood is sour, and patience is wearing thin.
After the final whistle in Bilbao, the visual divide among the players was telling:
- Onana sat motionless in his goal area.
- Harry Maguire was alone at the halfway line.
- Alejandro Garnacho was visibly emotional.
These moments reflect a lack of cohesion—a team shattered not just in form but in spirit.
Transfer Market Reality Check
With no European football and a mandate for cost-cutting, Manchester United’s summer strategy must change drastically. Interest in Wolves striker Matheus Cunha remains, but big-money deals are unlikely. The club is pivoting towards lower-cost, high-potential targets instead of proven stars.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who has already pushed for a leaner and more efficient operation, will now oversee a more conservative rebuild. Amorim must operate within strict financial limits while delivering results that have thus far proven elusive.
Echoes of Solskjær: A Warning From the Past
The situation bears striking resemblance to the 2021–22 season, when Ole Gunnar Solskjær was similarly undermined following a Europa League final loss. That failure ultimately led to his dismissal after a disastrous run of form. Amorim is now facing a nearly identical storm—backed for now, but one slip away from losing it all.
The Road Ahead: Thin Margins and Fewer Excuses
United’s immediate schedule includes a potentially volatile Premier League match against Champions League-chasing Aston Villa, followed by a commercial tour of Asia—designed to raise approximately £10 million in revenue. These events may do little to boost morale, but they represent critical opportunities for Amorim to assert control and inspire a fractured squad.
For now, the board insists the project continues. Amorim still has the job. But the question is no longer if change is possible—it’s when.
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🚨🇵🇹 Ruben Amorim: "If the board and fans feel I'm not the right guy, I will go in the next day without any conversation about compensation."
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) May 21, 2025
"But I will not quit again. I'm really confident in my job." pic.twitter.com/RReZ3D1Ocd
Conclusion
Manchester United’s belief in Ruben Amorim may remain, but belief alone cannot fix a broken system. A trophyless season, offensive dysfunction, and a squad riddled with uncertainty now define the narrative at Old Trafford. With no European football to soften the blow, the club enters the summer battered both financially and emotionally.
Amorim’s honesty and tactical intent have earned him some credit, but results will ultimately dictate his fate. As pressure mounts from fans, financial constraints deepen, and internal doubts grow louder, the manager finds himself at the most precarious moment of his career.
Unless immediate change follows, both in performance and clarity of vision, Amorim may soon become the latest name in a long list of leaders unable to revive Manchester United’s former glory.
