Ruben Amorim has endured a tough start as Manchester United’s head coach, losing five of his first ten matches. Harry Maguire has offered insight into why the new boss has struggled, emphasizing the stark contrast between Amorim and his predecessor, Erik ten Hag.

Amorim was appointed as Ten Hag’s permanent successor in early November but did not oversee his first competitive match until late that month, after completing his commitments with Sporting CP. The compressed schedule left little time for training, forcing Amorim to implement a new formation and defensive approach amid a busy fixture list.

This tactical overhaul has led to a challenging start, with Amorim suffering five defeats in his first ten games—a record-breaking statistic for any United manager since World War II. Maguire, who has experienced this turbulent period both from the bench and on the field, attributes the struggles to the significant shift in style.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Maguire explained:
“The managers have completely different styles. It’s not as though one has come in with a similar philosophy. Amorim and Ten Hag are the total opposite in what they want and demand from the team.

“So, the transition period is always going to be difficult. We all have great belief in the manager and his coaching staff. He knows what he needs to do to turn things around and get this club back on track. He’s extremely demanding, and we’re working hard to adapt to his vision.”

Amorim’s reign began with a disappointing 1-1 draw against newly promoted Ipswich Town. After the match, the Portuguese manager noted that his players seemed “to be thinking too much,” a result of the steep learning curve associated with his tactical changes. This hesitation has been a recurring theme throughout his tenure so far.

Despite acknowledging the difficulties, Maguire was quick to reject any excuses:
“We’re doing everything we can to climb the table. At this moment, we can’t set any specific targets because we’re far from where we need to be. It’s disappointing—everyone knows that. What we’ve done so far is not good enough for this club.”

Maguire’s comments reflect the squad’s determination to improve under Amorim’s demanding leadership, even as they navigate one of the most challenging periods in recent Manchester United history.