At Craven Cottage on the evening of 23/8, Man Utd, despite being the favorites, could only manage a 1-1 draw. The Red Devils took the lead thanks to an own goal from Rodrigo Muniz, following Leny Yoro's clever header in the 58th minute. However, they couldn't hold onto their advantage. In the 73rd minute, the visiting team's defense failed to mark tightly, allowing substitute Emile Smith Rowe to equalize for Fulham.

This draw, combined with the 0-1 home defeat to Arsenal in the opening match, has angered some Man Utd fans. Despite investing over 260 million USD in their attack, the team has yet to score a goal themselves. Last season, after replacing Erik Ten Hag in November, manager Ruben Amorim only managed to guide the team to a 15th-place finish. Currently, he and his players sit in 16th place.

Amorim expresses disappointment during the 1-1 draw against Fulham in the second round of the Premier League at Craven Cottage, London, England on 24/8/2025. Photo: PA

"Sack Amorim," one fan wrote on X. "He's had a year to prove himself and has achieved nothing. No progress, no improvement, and no clear plan. There's absolutely no reason to keep him."

Some have criticized Amorim for moving Bruno Fernandes, one of the top attacking midfielders, to central midfield alongside Casemiro. Others expressed outrage at the Portuguese manager's decision to substitute Mason Mount, another attacking midfielder, for Casemiro early in the second half, while the promising central midfielder Koobie Mainoo was overlooked.

Tactical formations are also a major issue with Amorim. Unlike most top managers who prefer a 4-3-3, the 40-year-old manager has Man Utd playing a 3-4-3. He deploys four wingers, while the Casemiro-Fernandes pairing shoulders the entire responsibility for recovering and distributing the ball. This imbalance between the flanks and the midfield makes Man Utd predictable.

"Amorim seems determined to try every player in central midfield except Mainoo," a Man Utd fan wrote. "It's bizarre."

"Amorim's inability to use a 4-3-3 formation and bring Mainoo onto the pitch is reason enough to sack him," another comment read.

"Bruno had another 90 minutes without being substituted. The fact that he's untouchable is why Amorim will be sacked," another fan mentioned the possibility of parting ways with Amorim.

Amorim won the Portuguese league twice with Sporting, in 2021 and 2024. Last season, he only led Man Utd to 15th place in the Premier League but took them to the Europa League final. By providing over 260 million USD to acquire Mathus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko, the management signaled their continued faith in Amorim. However, if Man Utd doesn't perform well against Burnley, Man City, and Chelsea in the next three rounds, anything could happen.

Thanh Quy (via X)