The Athletic FC Podcast One year of Amorim: The good, the bad and "the worst Man United team in history"
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Nov 11, 2025 Mark Critchley, a seasoned football journalist focused on Manchester United, and Oli Kay, a tactical analyst, dive into Ruben Amorim's tumultuous first year at the club. They explore the mixed reception to his appointment, his initial structural changes, and the fallout from a punishing loss to Brighton. The panel discusses Amorim’s brutal honesty, contrasting his communication style with more calculated managers. They also touch on the need for consistency and the significance of upcoming fixtures in assessing the team's direction amidst a challenging rebuild.
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Arrival Sparked Hope And Reset
- United fans felt mixed but hopeful when Ruben Amorim arrived because he was a top young European coach.
- His hiring signalled a reset after Ten Hag and generated optimism despite the difficult mid-season takeover.
Order Over Chaos From The Start
- Amorim immediately brought more order and structure compared with Ten Hag's chaotic final season.
- He showed early willingness to remove players not buying into his methods, signalling an uncompromising approach.
Brighton Outburst Marked A Watershed
- After a poor Brighton display Amorim called the squad "maybe the worst team in United's history" and smashed a TV in the dressing room.
- That outburst marked a watershed and underscored how quickly things fell apart early on.