Manchester United’s recent Europa League final defeat to Tottenham has stirred up plenty of tough talk — especially aimed at their manager, Ruben Amorim.
The 1-0 loss in Bilbao not only ended their hopes of European glory this season but also confirmed that Old Trafford won’t see any European football next year.
That’s a bitter pill to swallow for a club with such rich continental history.
Alan Shearer’s Sharp Criticism
Premier League legend Alan Shearer didn’t hold back in his critique of Amorim’s tenure so far.
Writing in his Betfair column, Shearer suggested that things at United have actually gotten worse since Amorim took over from Erik ten Hag in November.
With just six league wins out of 26 matches and the team sinking to 16th place in the Premier League table, the results speak for themselves.
Shearer believes Amorim must shoulder a good part of the blame for the team’s ongoing struggles.
He even hinted that the Portuguese coach might not last through the summer, saying, “There will be a lot of questions around Ruben Amorim’s future now. It wouldn’t surprise me if he wasn’t the manager at the beginning of next season.”
Problems Running Deep on the Pitch
Shearer paints a grim picture of the game in Bilbao, describing United’s performance as a clear reflection of their deeper issues.
He pointed out the lack of creativity, energy, and goal-scoring threat — describing the team’s display as “a complete mess.”
The idea that winning the Europa League might have masked their problems now seems fanciful.
One particular symptom of United’s troubles was how they once again relied on Harry Maguire, a centre back, to push forward in attack late in the game.
Maguire’s headed goal against Lyon in the quarterfinals was a rare highlight, but in the final, even his aerial presence couldn’t spark any magic.
The Challenge of the Summer Ahead
Shearer sees United’s dependence on a defender to rescue results as a sign of desperation, underscoring how far the team has fallen.
The upcoming summer transfer window looks challenging too, as the club’s failure to secure European football will likely make it harder to attract top talent.
He pointed to a range of problems at Manchester United: the manager’s struggles to impose his system, unrest among fans directed at the owners, and the recent arrival of a third owner, Jim Radcliffe, adding complexity to the club’s ownership structure.
“There are so many things wrong with Manchester United, and it’s not a quick fix. It’s going to take a long time,” Shearer concluded.
This recent defeat only adds fuel to the fire, leaving fans and insiders alike wondering: what comes next for the Red Devils?