A new era has dawned at Manchester United, but it has not been the fairytale start to life in the Premier League that Ruben Amorim would have dreamed of.
The newly appointed Portuguese boss has overseen just 11 games since joining from Sporting CP but has won just four of them, while drawing one and losing another six.
Most recently, the Red Devils fell to a damning 2-0 defeat at home to Newcastle - with the boos at Old Trafford unchanged from the tenure of Amorim’s predecessor, Erik ten Hag.
The highlight of Amorim’s brief reign to date is undoubtedly his side’s 2-1 win against bitter rivals Man City at the Etihad Stadium just eight days ago.
Lee Sharpe won three Premier League titles with Man United during his eight-year spell with the club, and knows a thing or two about what it takes to win big in football.
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The Manchester derby result
While results since have left a lot to be desired, 53-year-old Sharpe told VAVEL that the Red Devils’ Manchester derby triumph is so important for the club and Amorim.
He said: “It’s a big win for Manchester United and for Amorim as it shows that they can go to a top team and win. Irrelevant of Man City’s recent results, to win at Etihad is no mean feat and credit to the players for fighting to the end, being brave and pushing forward to score.”
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High praise for Amad Diallo
Amad Diallo has enjoyed a rapid surge in form since Amorim's arrival and, following his goal against the Cityzens, Sharpe singled the 22-year-old for special praise.
He said: “This can give Amad huge confidence as well as the defence too. With league form being important, this could be the start of a good run of form over the festive period and [finishing in the] top four or top six is not out of reach at all, if United can go on a good run.”
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The Marcus Rashford saga
One of the biggest talking points throughout Amorim’s tenure to date has been his decision to drop Marcus Rashford, which Amorim insists is "my selection."
The 27-year-old has now not featured in Man United's last six games and, following the first - his omission for the Manchester derby - he gave an interview to renowned journalist Henry Winter, where he said: "I think I'm ready for a new challenge and the next steps."
Sharpe offered his view on the matter, which is quickly transcending into a prolonged saga, saying: “I think Marcus should have spoken to the manager before speaking to any outside media. Words can get twisted or misinterpreted and this isn’t good for the player or club.
"It’s important to keep things inside the club and dealt with so that Marcus can do what he does best which is perform on the pitch well for Manchester United.
“Amorim has said in response that a Manchester United with Marcus in the team is a better one, so Marcus has the olive branch if he wants to take it. It’s up to him now as it will be a massive shame if he leaves like this as his scoring record over the years has been excellent.”
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What success would look like this season
With Man United currently languishing in a lowly 13th place in the Premier League, and by no means guaranteed a top-eight finish in the UEFA Europa League League Phase, their prospects for the remainder of the season appear, at a glance, to be bleak at best.
Sharpe is under no illusions over his former employer’s current state, but insisted that success this season will not be defined by silverware: “Being more consistent in the league, Amorim getting an XI playing regularly together is key for Manchester United.
“Looking at league position, European football is a must and [finishing in the] top four would be a huge success, top six would be ok as well; given their position when he took over. With the FA Cup and Europa League available, a win in any of these would also deem it a successful season.
“But for him [Amorim], he will look to decide who will form part of his long-term plans for the club and, if it means Rashford isn't part of that, then we move on and Amorim will look to recruit well over the summer.
"United may look to add to the squad in January, but with FFP [financial fair play] they may just look at loans, or even swap deals, depending on if the players he wants are available.”
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