Same Players, Worse Off: Amorim Double Down on Manchester United’s Torrid Start
Manchester United’s lackluster performance under new manager Ralf Rangnick has left the players and fans bewildered. What seems puzzling is that despite introducing a fresh face, the Red Devils continue to struggle, exhibiting similar problems that plagued them under previous managers. Despite having the same squad at their disposal, the results have been nothing short of abysmal.
It’s difficult to explain why United’s 16-year-old core, comprising of Cristiano Ronaldo, Harry Maguire, Jadon Sancho, and Bruno Fernandes, among others, have failed to find a consistent run of form. The extracted talent and experience of these individuals would suggest a better performance, but under Rangnick’s watch, the team has lost five games, won five, and drawn two.
This inconsistency breeds frustrations, astounds and bewilderingly demonstrates how players, who have fared well elsewhere and shone on the biggest stages, are finding it challenging to reactivate their stars under Rangnick’s tactical adjustments. Sancho, in particular, has garnered a lot of attention for his underwhelming displays, failing to provide the spark he’s known for. The struggles of Ronaldo, a 36-year-old veteran with a plethora of international and Champions League experience, within this current setup only echo the club’s overall malaise.
It’s becoming difficult to strike a balance, juggling team-building, and translating Ralf Rangnick’s distinct style of coaching. Paul Pogba, initially categorized as one of the Premier League’s best players, has again faced several instances where his full potential has been arrested, relegated to a spectator for large stretches and struggling for cohesion. Burnished expectations might not guarantee possession-based success, so perhaps it is now time to convene a transfer window session to weed out players of little subsequent value.
Such balance is essential because some stars who have generally carried themselves consistently in the past are not there anymore, while receiving strong fight from newcomers, which augurs ill for this team at present. Four Premier League games remain, before the season concludes, with championship aspirations crumbling through unending internal fissures, the home crowd continues to exploit the punch that could expire. Manchester United can’t unwind, and it’s uncertain how extended they can be without quintessential adaptations.
