As a Manchester United supporter since childhood, my club has always given me moments of disappointment, and some moments that remind me why I love this club. However in more recent years, United has been on a downward spiral, one game that summed up the state of Manchester United was back in January of 2025 when we faced Brighton & Hove Albion F.C at home. We proceeded to get embarrassed on our home turf, losing 3-1. Our manager, Rúben Amorim, had plenty to say to the press after the game.
“We are being the worst team maybe in the history of Manchester United,” Amorim said in a press conference following the match.
This is never what you want to hear about your club but Amorim had a point. Watching United in that game left me feeling disappointed, let down, frustrated, annoyed and even angry at how the team performed. All of these feelings do not even begin to describe the feeling of being a Manchester United fan in 2025.
In the past few years, there have been very few moments where I could proudly say I am a Manchester United supporter, and that feeling is shared by fellow supporters worldwide. Currently sitting at 15th in the table for the English Premier League (EPL), the 2025 squad is the worst team ever for the Red Devils.
Manchester United used to be a major club and a threat to any teams they played, but in recent times, the magic that once was there seems to have left. The club’s golden years were under Sir Alex Ferguson’s leadership from 1986 to 2013. Since 2013, United has switched between many managers, some better than others; however, 2025 has shown the worst Manchester United squad Europe has seen. Aside from just on the pitch, Manchester United is massively struggling with finances and the condition of their home stadium, Old Trafford.
The current squad is not poor because of a few mistakes but a multitude of different factors. This makes it impossible to blame United’s failures on a single action or person, however, in regards to the financial issues, Amorim places the ownership on the team itself.
“It has a lot to do with the lack of success of the football team because we are the engine of any football club,” Amorim said. According to the manager, the problems are internally caused; however, despite having to adapt to new managers and play styles, as players, they need to do better.
Some take another angle to the failures of United and explore all the injuries of key players recently. Quite a few key players are out with season-ending injuries. Center back Lisandro Martínez and winger Amad Diallo are confirmed to be out for the season, while midfielders Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount as well as center back Jonny Evans all hope to return soon.
Although Manchester United has struggled under several recent managers, Amorim is still facing criticism for his coaching style and tactics.
“Amorim’s tactics are baffling at times,” said one supporter in a fan dialogue on Reddit. “We have the talent, but the strategy doesn’t play to our strengths. It’s frustrating to watch.”
This criticism expands beyond the fanbase as EPL commentators call out the club Well-known English football commentator Gary Neville did not hold back in criticism about Amorim’s tactical decisions regarding the midfield shape after a loss against Tottenham back in February.
“We just said about the distance between the two central midfield players. Look at where Casemiro is and where Bruno Fernandes is,” Neville said in disbelief in a Sky Sports report, comparing the team to children’s level play. “That cannot be right. It breaks all rules in football.”
Regardless of what the direct sources of United’s issues are, to bring the same joy they used to bring fans, a lot has to change. Amorim has been very honest with the media during his time as manager and acknowledges that it will take time for United to be the club it once was, however, he remains confident that Manchester United is not too far gone.
