Manchester United entered this season with a lot of hope and expectation.
After years of decline since Sir Alex Ferguson stepped down, the club made sweeping changes over the summer to try and fix the mess.
A new manager, a refreshed squad, and even a revamped training ground were meant to signal a fresh chapter.
But despite all the investment and planning, the early weeks under Ruben Amorim have already thrown up worrying signs.
Amorim’s Attempt to Change the Culture
The club has been desperate for stability after 12 chaotic years.
Amorim was brought in as the man to shift the culture and reset the standards.
He wasted no time — creating what some have called a “bomb squad” to push out players he didn’t want, appointing a leadership group of six to boost discipline, and sanctioning over £200 million worth of signings tailored for his system.
Off the pitch, new staff joined across departments, and the Carrington training ground had a £50m facelift to match the vision of an elite setup.
Everything was meant to feel modern, professional, and forward-looking.
Reality Check Comes Sooner Than Expected
Despite all those changes, old problems remain. United have only picked up a single point from their opening two league games against Arsenal and Fulham.
Then came the embarrassing Carabao Cup loss to League Two side Grimsby Town — the first time in history United have been knocked out of a cup by a fourth-tier team.
Grimsby didn’t just win; they outplayed United, taking a deserved two-goal lead before holding their nerve in a marathon penalty shootout that ended 12-11.
The defeat has left serious questions hanging over Amorim’s project.
The Manager’s Body Language Raises Doubts
One moment that unsettled fans was Amorim’s behavior during the shootout.
Instead of standing tall, he stayed hidden in the dugout — a far cry from the image of a manager leading from the front.
It didn’t help that he had previously admitted he used to “dread” games last season because of what might go wrong.
That kind of honesty might be refreshing to some, but when compared to figures like Ferguson, Mourinho, or even Solskjaer, it makes Amorim appear hesitant rather than authoritative.
Comments That Hint at Tension
After the loss, Amorim suggested that his players had “spoken really loud about what they want” through their performance — a cryptic remark that hinted at a possible rift between him and the squad. He also admitted the team was “completely lost.”
Such words, especially from a coach who has just been backed with huge signings, suggest deeper issues still lurking beneath the surface.
Big-Money Squad, Same Old Results
United can no longer use the excuse that Amorim hasn’t had time.
The starting XI that lost at Grimsby was worth more than £400m, yet they couldn’t get past a League Two side.
That’s a damning reflection, particularly when you consider Amorim’s Premier League win rate so far is just 24.1% — on par with Neil Warnock, who has been relegated twice.
It’s no surprise that some players who have been pushed out or loaned are quietly wondering whether they might outlast Amorim at Old Trafford.
Sesko’s Hesitation Adds to the Frustration
Another talking point was £74m striker Benjamin Sesko.
Instead of stepping up early in the shootout, he was the very last outfield player to take a penalty, leaving the responsibility to teammates before the goalkeepers were called in.
For a marquee forward, that’s not the kind of leadership United expected.
So far, Sesko has struggled to make an impact — looking anonymous in his first league appearances and failing to impress at Grimsby.
United’s decision to prioritize him over Rasmus Hojlund now looks questionable, especially when compared to players like Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, who at least showed flashes of fight despite missing their spot-kicks.
Star Players Compromised
One of the consequences of Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system is that Bruno Fernandes, United’s captain and best player, has been forced into a deeper midfield role.
It hasn’t suited him — he struggled badly against Fulham and even missed a penalty.
Against Grimsby, though, he came on at half-time, helped spark a comeback, and converted both his penalties in the shootout.
But compromising your top performer for the sake of a new tactical setup is a risky move, and it’s already showing cracks.
A Critical Few Weeks Ahead
Amorim is under no immediate threat. The club has invested heavily in him and his vision, so they’re not about to pull the plug in August.
But the pressure is real. United face Burnley this weekend, where Amorim desperately needs his first win of the season.
After the international break, things only get tougher with matches against Manchester City and Chelsea.
What Comes Next?
Manchester United wanted Ruben Amorim to be the man who would bring back belief and rebuild the culture of the club.
But right now, the doubts are louder than the optimism.
He’s got expensive new players, a modernized training ground, and a squad built in his image — yet the results so far have been alarmingly familiar.
If United stumble again in the coming weeks, the conversation may shift from how Amorim can fix the culture to whether he’s the right man to lead it at all.
