Despite finishing 15th in the Premier League last season, judgment was withheld on Ruben Amorim’s tenure as Manchester United manager after taking the reins midway through the 2024/25 campaign.
The 40-year-old was subsequently handed £200m worth of funds to improve the first-team squad and help the club rise up the table after a dismal year last time around.
However, it’s safe to say pressure has continued to mount on the manager’s shoulders, especially after falling to a 3-1 defeat against Brentford on Saturday afternoon.
Such a result was the Red Devils’ ninth Premier League defeat in their last 15 outings, highlighting the issues currently facing the side at present and in the near future.
Despite the latest slump in form, the board still continue to back Amorim, a decision which could raise eyebrows given the failure to right the wrongs of last campaign.
His decision-making in the role has certainly been called into question as of late, with his constant selection of one first-team member, one that has baffled many supporters of the club.
Luke Shaw’s lack of form at Man Utd in 2025/26
After a torrid run of injuries over the last couple of seasons, defender Luke Shaw has enjoyed an injury-free run in the first-team squad in the opening stages of 2025/26.
The 30-year-old has started every single game in England’s top-flight to date, but that’s not to say he’s met the standards expected of a United defender in the Premier League.
He’s operated on the left-hand side of Amorim’s back three, but has come under fire for his lack of impact – rightfully so given the poor figures he’s produced over recent weeks.
The Englishman has only ranked in the 16th percentile for duels won, whilst ranking in the 82nd percentile for fouls committed – often struggling to contain the opposition’s attackers.
Shaw has only ranked in the 31st percentile for passes completed, often hitting possession away and being just as ineffective with the ball as he is without.
The injuries have ultimately taken their toll on his career, with the defender no way near the level of an English top-flight side, with Amorim needing to take action and drop him from his side.
However, he’s not alone in struggling to make a positive impact, with one other first-team member also enduring an extremely below par start to the 2025/26 season.
The United player who’s becoming a “problem” in 2025/26
Seven points from the first six games of 2025/26 is a hugely disappointing return for United, especially given the huge spending during the summer transfer window.
Benjamin Sesko scored his first goal for the club in the recent defeat against Brentford, but unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to catapult the Red Devils to a third league win of the season.
Bryan Mbeumo blanked against his former employers, but the Cameroonian international has already netted twice for the club after his £71m transfer in the summer.
However, despite the heavy spending, alarm bells are still ringing out at Old Trafford, with the manager still not getting the best out of his current crop of players.
Bruno Fernandes was a shining light last campaign, notching 37 combined goals and assists in all competitions – often saving the side in numerous key moments.
The Portuguese international, who’s the current club captain, has since had to take up a new role after the summer spending spree – subsequently dropping into a deeper midfield role.
While he’s previously operated in such a position, it’s now become his permanent role in the side, but one that has yet to have a desired effect in the early stages of the new season.
The 30-year-old has failed to match his heights from 2024/25, scoring twice to date, but ultimately costing the side in key moments – in a complete switch from his success last time around.
Bruno has already missed two spot kicks in the Premier League this campaign, with his latest against the Bees undoubtedly costing them the opportunity to walk away from the clash with at least a point.
Away from his spot kick failures, he’s been unable to dominate in the centre of the park, often being overrun in such an area – once again showcasing the failure to land a new ball-winning option during the off-season.
The 30-year-old’s lack of impact has led to analyst Adam Clery labelling the captain as a “problem” with the summer additions certainly contributing to his recent demise.
Minutes played
90
Touches
81
Passes completed
54
Ground duels won
3
Possession lost
18x
Long balls completed
5
Key passes
1
Penalties missed
1
It’s clear that Bruno is a player who possesses a lot of talent, but his attitude and lack of leadership at the heart of the side has undoubtedly added to the poor form once more.
Amorim desperately needs to get a grip on the situation to prevent the club spiralling out of control – which could even lead to the former Sporting CP boss losing his job.
Nearly a year into the job, it’s clear the 40-year-old still doesn’t know his best central midfield partnership, but it’s clear Bruno needs to be taken out of such a position in the coming matches.
