The Portuguese tactician, who took over in November 2024, has faced intense scrutiny following a campaign that saw United record their lowest-ever Premier League points tally, with just 11 wins from 38 matches and a goal difference of -14. Now, as the 2025/26 season looms, Amorim is doubling down on his vision, urging his players to silence their doubters and rebuild the club’s reputation.
Amorim’s vow came during a passionate press conference ahead of United’s season opener against Tottenham on August 16, 2025. “I’m here for the long haul—20 years if they’ll have me,” he declared. “This club is bigger than one bad season. The players, the fans, the history—they deserve better, and I’m not running from the challenge. The critics can write what they want, but it’s on us to prove them wrong, starting now.” His words have sparked a mix of optimism and skepticism among fans, with many on X praising his defiance while others question whether he can turn around a squad that crumbled under pressure last term.
The disastrous 2024/25 season saw United lose 18 matches, including humiliating defeats to rivals Liverpool (4-0) and Manchester City (3-1). Injuries plagued key players like Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford, while new signings, including £50m defender Matthijs de Ligt, struggled to adapt.
Off-field turmoil, including ongoing ownership debates and fan protests, further destabilized the club. Amorim, who replaced Erik ten Hag after a string of poor results, managed only a slight uptick in form, securing 20 points from 24 games. His high-pressing, 3-4-3 system showed promise but was undermined by defensive errors and a lack of clinical finishing, with United scoring just 46 goals, their lowest total since 1992.
Amorim’s call to arms centers on rallying a revamped squad. United have been active in the transfer market, signing versatile midfielder Manuel Ugarte (£42m) and promising striker Joshua Zirkzee (£36m) to bolster the team. However, the departure of Casemiro to Al-Nassr for £25m and uncertainty over Rashford’s future have raised concerns about squad depth. Amorim has placed faith in young talents like Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho, urging them to “step up and own the shirt.” He’s also demanded more from Fernandes, who has been linked with a move to Bayern Munich but remains the team’s captain and creative linchpin.
Fans are divided on Amorim’s ambitious pledge. Posts on X reflect the polarized mood, with @RedDevilsRoar tweeting, “Amorim’s got the fire we need. 20 years? Let’s see him deliver in year one first,” while @MUFC_Lad fumed, “15th place and he’s talking decades? Fix the defense and score some goals, mate.” Critics point to United’s bloated wage bill and inconsistent recruitment, with some blaming the Glazer family’s stewardship. Supporters, however, are buoyed by Amorim’s track record at Sporting CP, where he won two Primeira Liga titles, and his refusal to shy away from United’s challenges.
The road ahead is daunting. United face a tough early schedule, including clashes with Arsenal and Chelsea in September. Amorim’s insistence on high-intensity football will be tested, especially with rivals like Liverpool, who are chasing Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, strengthening their squads. For now, Amorim’s 20-year vow has injected fresh hope into a fanbase desperate for a turnaround, but only results will determine whether his words translate into a revival at Old Trafford.
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