It all began with promise. Just under two minutes into Ruben Amorim’s first match at Ipswich Town last year, Marcus Rashford gave Manchester United an early lead at Portman Road.
For a moment, optimism soared.
But as the final whistle blew, the game ended 1-1, foreshadowing a rocky first season where United finished 15th under Amorim.
Fast-forward a year, and the story hasn’t improved much.
After Monday night’s 1-0 home defeat to Everton, United sit 10th, a squad in search of stability.
Goalkeepers: A Season of Highs and Lows
Andre Onana – 3/10
Onana started strong, earning man-of-the-match in Amorim’s first game, but the early promise didn’t last.
Mistakes against Forest, Ipswich, Viktoria Plzen, Lyon, Spurs, and Grimsby highlighted inconsistency, leaving the team to part ways with him before the current season.
Altay Bayindir – 4/10
Bayindir had moments of glory, such as a FA Cup shootout win at the Emirates, but he conceded 27 goals in 14 appearances.
Displays against Tottenham, Newcastle, Arsenal, and Manchester City dented fan confidence, leaving questions over reliability.
Senne Lammens – 7/10
The newcomer has brought calm to United’s goalkeeping department.
Thrust into the first team after two early defeats, Lammens helped the side remain unbeaten in five of six games.
Minor errors exist, but overall, he’s been a reassuring presence.
Defenders: Mixed Performances and Bright Spots
Diogo Dalot – 5/10
A regular in Amorim’s lineups, Dalot contributed three Europa League goals but remains a source of frustration for fans due to limited attacking output at wing-back.
Noussair Mazraoui – 6/10
Mazraoui’s versatility has been a plus, but his attacking output hasn’t matched the system’s demands. Amorim’s constant redeployment at wing-back is partly to blame.
Leny Yoro – 6.5/10
The young French defender has impressed with his composure, though some positional decisions may limit his potential.
A tough outing against Everton aside, Yoro looks set for growth.
Matthijs de Ligt – 7.5/10
A leader at the back, de Ligt has delivered crucial moments, including a late equalizer at Tottenham, and is now back in World Cup contention.
Harry Maguire – 7/10
Despite not fitting perfectly into Amorim’s system, Maguire has delivered key goals and leadership on the pitch.
Patrick Dorgu – 4/10
The young left wing-back’s development has stalled.
Two assists in 32 games highlight inconsistency.
Luke Shaw – 6/10
Shaw’s return to regular starts has been a positive, though the Manchester derby defeat reminded fans of ongoing struggles.
Victor Lindelof & Lisandro Martinez – 5/10 each
Lindelof’s appearances were largely out of necessity, and Martinez has been limited by injury, though he showed flashes of quality when available.
Ayden Heaven – 6/10
A promising talent underutilized so far, showing potential for the future.
Tyrell Malacia – 4/10
Limited fitness and availability prevented impact; unlikely to play a major role again.
Harry Amass – 6.5/10
The academy graduate has impressed in limited appearances, earning loan experience at Sheffield Wednesday.
Tyler Fredricson & Jonny Evans – 5-6/10
Fredricson showed promise but had minimal opportunities, while Evans contributed off the pitch and in brief appearances.
Midfielders: Leadership and Struggles
Bruno Fernandes – 7.5/10
The linchpin of Amorim’s squad, Fernandes has been pivotal in Europa League and Premier League matches, delivering clutch goals and assists.
Manuel Ugarte – 4/10
Struggled with form and discipline, already under consideration for a midfield overhaul despite a £50.5m transfer from PSG.
Casemiro – 7/10
Defied expectations to regain prominence, showing remarkable consistency and contributing to both club and country.
Kobbie Mainoo – 5/10
Limited minutes frustrate supporters; currently seeking a loan to gain more experience.
Christian Eriksen & Toby Collyer – 4-5/10
Bit-part players who offered occasional support but failed to secure regular roles.
Forwards: Bright Sparks and Frustration
Rasmus Hojlund – 4/10
Struggled with Amorim’s system, despite flashes of promise in Europe. Loaned to Napoli for more development.
Alejandro Garnacho – 4/10
Academy star who clashed with Amorim, leading to a move to Chelsea after being frozen out.
Amad Diallo – 7.5/10
Thrived under Amorim’s coaching, balancing attack and defense effectively.
Joshua Zirkzee – 4/10
Struggled to adapt to Amorim’s system; inconsistent impact across appearances.
Mason Mount – 6/10
Fan favorite with talent, but fitness issues and low goal/assist output limit his impact.
Bryan Mbeumo – 8/10
United’s best recent signing, delivering goals, assists, and stamina to drive the team forward.
Benjamin Sesko – 6/10
Improved link-up play but goal output remains a concern; currently sidelined with injury.
Matheus Cunha – 6.5/10
Contributes to overall team balance despite modest scoring record.
Antony – 3/10
Limited appearances and impact, soon moved on loan.
Chido Obi – 4/10
Thrown into the deep end; currently developing with the Under-21s.
Marcus Rashford – 4/10
Frozen out and eventually moved to Barcelona after limited appearances under Amorim.
A Season of Contrasts
Under Ruben Amorim, Manchester United’s squad has shown flashes of brilliance but also periods of struggle.
From young academy prospects finding their feet to senior stars rediscovering form, the story is one of highs and lows.
Fans can hope that the upcoming months will see the best emerge as the team navigates league and European challenges.
Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn