Manchester United is facing a turbulent period both on and off the pitch as of February 18, 2025. The club’s struggles in the Premier League have resulted in significant managerial instability, while internal disagreements among the leadership have further compounded their difficulties.
### **Underwhelming Performances and Managerial Issues**
Ruben Amorim, who was appointed as Manchester United’s manager on November 11, 2024, has been unable to stabilize the team’s performances. The Red Devils have accumulated just 14 points from 14 matches, leaving them in a precarious 15th position in the league standings. Their recent 1-0 loss against Tottenham Hotspur only deepened the crisis, with Amorim openly expressing his frustration by stating that “everything is going wrong.”
A major contributing factor to the team’s struggles has been an ongoing injury crisis, which has sidelined as many as 12 first-team players. The lack of squad depth has forced the manager to rely on inexperienced academy players, as evidenced in the match against Tottenham, where eight teenagers with little to no senior experience were named on the bench. This severe injury problem has only worsened Manchester United’s already fragile situation, making it even harder for Amorim to implement his tactical vision effectively.
### **INEOS’s Influence and Leadership Disputes**
The club’s internal conflicts have been exacerbated by the growing influence of INEOS, a British multinational company led by billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe. INEOS acquired a minority stake in Manchester United in December 2023 and has since played a significant role in the club’s decision-making processes. However, their involvement has led to disagreements within the club’s leadership, particularly regarding managerial appointments.
One key source of tension has been the appointment of Ruben Amorim. Reports indicate that Dan Ashworth, who previously served as the club’s sporting director, was opposed to hiring Amorim. Instead, Ashworth preferred a manager with prior Premier League experience, such as Brentford’s Thomas Frank. This disagreement reflects a broader debate within Manchester United’s hierarchy about the ideal leadership approach for the club’s future. Some members favor a long-term project under Amorim, while others believe an experienced Premier League manager would have been better suited to handle the team’s challenges.
### **Financial Difficulties and Potential Player Sales**
Beyond the struggles on the pitch and boardroom disagreements, Manchester United is also facing financial constraints, which may lead to key player sales in the upcoming transfer windows. The club’s underperformance has impacted revenue streams, and with an extensive injury list limiting their competitiveness, financial concerns are becoming increasingly pressing. These challenges could force Manchester United to offload some of their high-value players in order to balance the books and create space for new signings.
As the situation continues to unfold, Manchester United finds itself at a crossroads. The combination of poor performances, managerial uncertainty, internal conflicts, and financial difficulties has left the club in a precarious position. Whether they can overcome these obstacles and reclaim their status as a top-tier team remains uncertain, but the coming months will be crucial in determining the club’s trajectory.
