Ruben Amorim's playing style at Manchester United has been called into question as a former coach explained their inconsistent performances.
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United still struggling in Premier LeagueAmorim has guided them to UEL finalEx-coach warned 'major trouble' may comeFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
United's descent in the Premier League has continued since Amorim was appointed head coach in November following Erik ten Hag's dismissal. United sit 16th in the English top-flight, winning six of the 26 matches they have played in the competition under the Portuguese boss – they have won 16 of 40 in all competitions.
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Still, United could end the season with the Europa League crown and a place in next season's Champions League final should they win Wednesday's final clash against Tottenham on Wednesday. Rene Muelensteen, who spent six years as Sir Alex Ferguson's assistant at Old Trafford, feels United's differing fortunes between competitions is a sign of Amorim's inexperience as he insisted 40-year-old should have produced better results. The Dutchman also worries about the state of the team should they lose captain Bruno Fernandes.
WHAT MUELENSTEEN SAID
Asked about United's success in Europe despite their domestic woes, Muelensteen told : "There are two scenarios. If they win [the Europa League] then there’s more money, Champions League football, and a positive feeling that they can do something next season. If they don't win, they have no European football and no extra money coming in. It would mean that they’ll be sitting with the same squad and the same manager, going into next year.
"Take Bruno Fernandes out of that team then you are looking at a really bleak scenario there.
"Amorim should have done better because he's had plenty of time now working with the players, and you question the disconnect when you constantly see these poor performances. Do they lack quality? Are the messages not getting across to the players? Or is it the rigid system?
"At the end of the day, why have Man United been able to turn up many times in the Europa League but not once in the Premier League for the last few months? It’s because the coach lacks experience, you know, in terms of managing a club the size of Manchester United.
"When you predominantly have the same team, manager, and don’t change the system, why would it be any different next season? They’re in major trouble if they lose."
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR UNITED?
A win against Spurs on Wednesday will come as a big boost to United, guaranteeing them a place in the Champions League next season. Failure to win, though, will see miss out on a place in Europe altogether.