Eric Cantona reveals why Ruben Amorim is unsettled at Manchester United
It has been a disappointing season for Manchester United, as the club currently languishes in 14th place in the Premier League and has already been eliminated from all domestic cup competitions. The only remaining hope for silverware in Ruben Amorim’s debut season lies in the UEFA Europa League, a trophy that could bring a much-needed positive end to an otherwise underwhelming campaign. Amorim, who joined United from Sporting Lisbon in November, has implemented a 3-4-3 formation, signalling a clear shift in tactical identity.
However, much of the squad is still struggling to adapt to the new system, leading to inconsistent performances. Now, United legend Eric Cantona has highlighted Amorim’s growing frustration as the Portuguese manager prepares his team for a crucial Europa League clash against Lyon.
Back in January, a brutally honest Ruben Amorim admitted that his Manchester United side might be “the worst in the club’s history.” Months later, those words are hauntingly accurate, with the team now on course to record their lowest-ever points tally in the Premier League era.
Amorim has faced an uphill battle from the start, working with a squad that has largely failed to meet the demands of his tactical system. Despite this, United made only minimal reinforcements in the January transfer window, bringing in just two young prospects. Club legend Eric Cantona has since come to Amorim’s defence, insisting that the Portuguese manager deserves proper backing in the upcoming summer window. According to Cantona, Amorim should only be judged fairly after he is given the tools to truly reshape the squad in his vision, something he’s yet to be afforded.
Cantona believes Amorim needs time to settle in
Few players in Manchester United’s storied history have embodied the club’s identity quite like Eric Cantona, which is why his words still carry immense weight among the Old Trafford faithful. A symbol of flair, leadership, and winning mentality, Cantona remains a revered figure whose opinions on the club’s current state are held in high regard by fans. In a recent interview with the Man Utd The Religion YouTube channel, the Frenchman didn’t hold back, offering a candid assessment of the team’s struggles and the direction the club is heading.
Cantona has called for patience when it comes to the current Manchester United manager, Ruben Amorim. Speaking to Pete Boyle in a recent interview, the four-time Premier League winner emphasised that Amorim took over mid-season and inherited a squad he didn’t assemble. Cantona acknowledged the visible frustration from the Portuguese coach, noting that it’s difficult to implement a new vision without the right tools. He insisted that a fair judgment can only be made next season, after Amorim has had the opportunity to reshape the squad according to his philosophy.
Despite the backing from one of the club’s most iconic figures, many Manchester United supporters remain disillusioned. Amorim’s arrival has yet to spark a significant turnaround in form, with the team still languishing in 14th place — the same position they occupied when Erik ten Hag was dismissed. With just six Premier League games remaining, pressure is mounting as questions grow louder about whether Amorim is the right man to lead the rebuild.
The United Legend speaking to Pete Boyle, expressed his support in Amorim
“I think we have to wait,”
“He did great things in Lisbon and just came [to Man Utd] in the middle of the season so he didn’t choose the players, and I know he’s unhappy about the players.”
“So we have to wait… It will be more fair, I think, to judge him maybe next season, because he has to do with the players that he didn’t choose.”
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Manchester United head into Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final second leg with everything still to play for, and lifting a European trophy could go a long way toward salvaging what has been a turbulent campaign. As Cantona rightly pointed out, Amorim deserves time and patience. This season, marked by instability and a squad he did not build, should not be used as the definitive measure of his managerial ability. The true test will come next season, when Amorim has the opportunity to shape the team in his image and lay down solid foundations for a genuine revival at Old Trafford.