Speaking on talkSPORT on August 13, 2025, Strachan, who played for United from 1984 to 1989 and won three major trophies, expressed that Amorim has had sufficient time to mold a competitive squad since taking over in November 2024. However, with United coming off a disastrous 15th-place finish last season—their worst in Premier League history—Strachan believes the 40-year-old manager’s job is on the line unless he can turn things around quickly.
“Ruben’s had nearly a year, a transfer window, and a pre-season to get his ideas across,” Strachan said. “He’s brought in players, he’s got his 3-4-3 system, and the club’s backed him. If it doesn’t work, he’s the type who’d put his hands up and say, ‘Fair enough, I didn’t deliver.’ He’s not a man who’d cling on.”
Strachan’s comments come as United prepare for their season opener against Tottenham on August 16, 2025, following a 2024/25 campaign that saw just 11 wins, 18 losses, and a -14 goal difference, with only 46 goals scored. The dismal performance, coupled with injuries to stars like Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford, and fan frustration with the Glazer ownership, has piled pressure on Amorim.
Amorim’s tenure began promisingly, with his high-pressing 3-4-3 system showing flashes of potential, but results faltered due to defensive frailties and a lack of attacking cohesion. United’s summer signings, including £42m midfielder Manuel Ugarte and £36m striker Joshua Zirkzee, were meant to address these issues, while Casemiro’s £25m exit to Al-Nassr cleared space for youth like Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho.
Yet, Strachan pointed out that rivals like Liverpool, who are close to signing Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, have raised the bar. “Look at Liverpool, splashing £150m on a striker. United’s squad is good, but it’s not at that level yet,” he noted. “Amorim’s got to make what he has work—fast.”
Fan reactions on X are mixed. @RedDevilsRoar posted, “Strachan’s right, Amorim’s had time. No more excuses, results now or he’s gone.” Others, like @MUFCFaithful, defended him: “Sacking him after one bad season? Madness. Give him this year.”
Strachan acknowledged Amorim’s credentials, citing his two Primeira Liga titles with Sporting CP, but stressed the Premier League’s unforgiving nature. “He’s a top coach, but United isn’t Lisbon.
You don’t get three years to figure it out,” he said. With tough early fixtures against Arsenal and Chelsea in September, and ongoing scrutiny over players like Rashford, whose form remains inconsistent, Amorim’s ability to implement his 3-4-3 effectively will be critical. Strachan’s blunt assessment underscores the high stakes: if Amorim can’t deliver, he may gracefully accept the consequences, leaving United searching for yet another savior.
