Manchester United’s disappointing 3–1 loss to Brentford has unleashed a storm of criticism, with Rio Ferdinand leading the charge by placing much of the blame squarely on manager Rúben Amorim. Speaking in the aftermath of the defeat, the United icon did not mince words, claiming the result was the inevitable outcome of Amorim’s unwillingness to adapt when the match was clearly slipping away.
United went into the contest already under significant pressure following an inconsistent spell of performances, but instead of steadying the ship, they collapsed. From the opening whistle, Brentford imposed their will on the game, showing greater energy, tactical discipline, and sharper execution. United, in contrast, looked flat, out of ideas, and completely vulnerable, a performance that has left them languishing in mid-table and sparked renewed doubts about Amorim’s ability to provide the stability and direction supporters crave.
Ferdinand voiced his frustration during an episode of his *Vibe with FIVE* podcast, questioning the Portuguese manager’s decision-making. He was particularly critical of Amorim’s insistence on persisting with a midfield structure that was clearly faltering, along with a tactical shape that repeatedly exposed the defence to Brentford’s counterattacks. To Ferdinand, this refusal to alter course was nothing less than a display of stubbornness that cost the team dearly.
Pundits and analysts echoed these sentiments, dissecting Amorim’s reliance on his rigid 3-4-3 system. They highlighted how the high defensive line and gaps left by advancing wing-backs were ruthlessly exploited by Brentford’s quick transitions. What stood out even more was Amorim’s reluctance to act decisively as the match unraveled; rather than introducing substitutions or adjusting his setup, he seemed wedded to his initial plan. Critics, Ferdinand among them, labelled this approach naïve, arguing that effective managers must sometimes set pride aside and make pragmatic changes to prevent further damage.
The frustration was not limited to experts. Supporters also voiced their disapproval across social media platforms, with the hashtag “#AmorimOut” trending briefly as fans vented their anger. Many compared the situation to familiar failings of previous managers: the wrong system deployed at the worst possible moment, leading to entirely preventable setbacks.
In his post-match comments, Amorim attempted to justify his choices. He admitted the side had lacked balance and struggled during defensive transitions, but he refrained from promising any tactical overhaul. Instead, he stressed that the squad was still in the process of adapting to his philosophy and simply required more time.
However, patience appears to be wearing thin. With challenging fixtures on the horizon, including a crucial meeting against an in-form Tottenham side, Amorim finds himself under mounting pressure. Ferdinand summed it up bluntly: the Premier League is unforgiving, and managers who fail to show flexibility and learn from their mistakes often do not last long.
