It doesn’t take long for the mood to change at Old Trafford. Just a few weeks ago, Manchester United fans were still giving Rúben Amorim the benefit of the doubt, believing he simply needed time to implement his style and get the best out of a squad packed with expensive talent. But after Sunday’s 3–0 derby defeat to Manchester City, patience is beginning to run out.
Losing to City is one thing — Pep Guardiola’s men have been dominant for years — but it was the manner of the defeat that has shaken belief in the Portuguese manager. United looked second best in almost every department. There was little fight, little structure, and very few moments where it felt like they could genuinely hurt their rivals. The result has left many fans wondering if Amorim truly has what it takes to steer the club back to the glory days.
This latest setback means United have now suffered two defeats in their last four matches. The other came against Arsenal, where they lost narrowly by a single goal. On that day, their performance was much better, with some supporters even feeling they deserved more from the game. But football is about results, and when you put that unlucky defeat next to Sunday’s thrashing at the Etihad, the picture begins to look far less forgiving.
What frustrates supporters even more is the money that has been spent on this squad. United have not been shy in the transfer market, bringing in big names for big fees. Naturally, that raises expectations; fans expect these signings to make an instant impact, to lift the level of the team regardless of who they are playing. Yet, for all the investment, the performances have been inconsistent at best and worrying at worst.
At the moment, United find themselves sitting in 14th place in the Premier League table. That’s a position no supporter can stomach for long, especially not at a club with United’s history and global stature. It’s not just about pride either — it’s about momentum. Falling too far behind this early in the season could make it almost impossible to recover, especially with rivals like City, Arsenal, and Liverpool showing strong form.
That is why the next game against Chelsea at Old Trafford feels so significant. It is more than just another fixture; it is a chance to calm the growing noise around Amorim, a chance to prove that this United side can still stand up in big moments. A win would not only lift the mood but also offer a platform for Amorim to build on.
On the flip side, another defeat could turn restlessness into outright anger. Fans have seen too many false dawns over the last decade, too many promises that never quite materialised. For many, their patience is already stretched thin.
So, the stakes are clear: Amorim needs three points against Chelsea. Not just for United’s league standing, but for his own credibility in the eyes of supporters who are starting to have doubts.
