⚽ EPL: “No Point Waiting” – Nicol Advises Manchester United to Replace Ruben Amorim Immediately
Former Liverpool star Steve Nicol says time’s up for Amorim at Old Trafford, as Manchester United continue to struggle under the Portuguese manager.
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📍 Manchester, England – September 15, 2025
The pressure is mounting at Old Trafford, and the voices calling for change are growing louder. Following Manchester United’s dismal run of form and their latest 3-0 defeat at home, former Premier League defender and current ESPN pundit Steve Nicol has come out swinging — advising United to cut ties with Ruben Amorim immediately.
> “There’s absolutely no point in waiting,” Nicol said during an appearance on ESPN FC. “It’s clear this isn’t working. The longer United delay the inevitable, the more damage will be done. Amorim might be a good coach, but this job is clearly too big for him right now.”
His words are blunt — but they resonate with many in the football world.
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🟥 The Decline Under Amorim
When Ruben Amorim arrived at Manchester United, there was genuine excitement. Touted as one of Europe’s brightest young managers, he had made a name for himself at Sporting CP with progressive tactics, player development, and an exciting 3-4-3 system.
But what seemed like a promising new era for United has quickly spiraled into disappointment.
As of mid-September:
United have failed to win in their last four games
They’ve been knocked out of the EFL Cup early
Sit mid-table in the Premier League
Struggle to create chances or control games
And worst of all: the squad looks disjointed and uninspired
What began as “transition pain” has now become a crisis of identity — and Nicol believes the only solution is a clean break.
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🔊 Nicol’s Blunt Assessment
Steve Nicol, known for his no-nonsense analysis, didn’t hold back when asked about United’s current situation.
> “United look like a team that doesn’t know what they’re doing. No pressing structure, no attacking plan, no defensive discipline. What’s Amorim actually improving? If there’s no answer to that question, then what are they waiting for?”
He added:
> “The only reason to keep a manager in a situation like this is if you’re seeing signs of growth — or if you think the players are buying into the project. But neither of those things are happening at United. The football is poor, the results are worse, and the players look like they’ve lost faith.”
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💬 Fans Echo the Sentiment
After the 3-0 loss, social media was flooded with posts from angry fans demanding Amorim’s exit. The phrase “#AmorimOut” began trending in multiple countries, including the UK, Nigeria, and the United States.
One fan posted:
> “What’s the point of waiting? If Amorim hasn’t figured it out by now, he never will. Thanks and goodbye.”
Another wrote:
> “Steve Nicol is spot on. We’re wasting time pretending this is salvageable.”
The mood at Old Trafford is tense. The optimism that accompanied Amorim’s arrival has turned into frustration — and now, for many, into resignation.
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🤯 What Went Wrong?
To understand the calls for Amorim’s departure, it’s important to examine what’s failed under his leadership:
1. No Tactical Clarity
Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 system hasn’t translated well to the Premier League. The wing-backs look exposed. The midfield is often overrun. And the attack lacks cohesion.
2. Confusing Lineups & Rotations
Amorim has frequently tinkered with the starting XI, even when players are in form. This has led to instability and a lack of rhythm.
3. Key Signings Underperforming
Players like Rasmus Højlund and Mason Mount, who were expected to thrive under Amorim, have failed to make an impact. Injuries haven’t helped, but questions remain about how well they fit into the system.
4. Lack of Fight and Identity
Perhaps most damning is the observation that United have no clear identity on the pitch. Are they a pressing team? A possession side? A counter-attacking threat? No one seems to know — including the players.
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⏳ Time Is Not a Luxury
While some managers are afforded time to build, the reality at Manchester United is different. This is a club with immense global pressure, high expectations, and a demanding fanbase. As Nicol pointed out, every poor performance only makes things harder for Amorim and the board.
> “Every week you keep him, you’re wasting valuable time,” Nicol said. “Look at what Chelsea did with Tuchel. Harsh, yes. But it got them the Champions League. Top clubs don’t wait around for things to fix themselves.”
And with difficult fixtures coming up — including games against Liverpool, Tottenham, and Champions League group deciders — United can’t afford to sleepwalk through the season.
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💼 If Amorim Goes, Who Comes In?
Nicol didn’t name a specific replacement, but several candidates are already being discussed by fans and pundits alike:
Zinedine Zidane – Out of work and proven at the highest level
Julian Nagelsmann – A long-term project, but may only be available after Euro 2024
Thomas Tuchel – Experienced, tactically elite, but known for dressing room conflicts
Roberto De Zerbi – A modern coach with Premier League experience, though under contract at Brighton
Of course, replacing a manager mid-season is never easy — but doing nothing may be worse.
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🧠 The Board’s Dilemma
The Manchester United board must now weigh its options. Do they stick with Amorim and risk further decline, or act decisively and attempt to salvage the season?
Nicol believes the answer is clear:
> “You’ve got to make a decision based on what’s best for the football club — not what looks good or feels safe. This isn’t working. It’s time to move on.”
Insiders suggest the board is divided. Some still believe Amorim deserves time. Others, especially those focused on results and sponsorship performance, are leaning toward change.
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🧨 Final Thoughts
Manchester United are standing at a crossroads once again. They’ve spent over a decade searching for the “next Ferguson” and have cycled through managers with vastly different profiles — from Moyes to Mourinho, Solskjær to Ten Hag, and now Amorim.
The club can’t afford another wasted season.
Steve Nicol’s message is clear, and many fans agree:
There’s no point waiting. Change needs to happen — now.
Whether the board listens remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: If results don’t improve immediately, Ruben Amorim’s days at Old Trafford are numbered.
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