Manchester United stumble again in early-season tests with a loss against Brentford
Manchester United have endured another rough beginning to the 2025/26 season, and the start carries a sense of unease for supporters who still recall last year’s struggles. After six Premier League matches, they sit 14th with three defeats, two wins, and one draw. This record shows they cannot sustain a rhythm.
The Red Devils suffered defeats against Arsenal, Manchester City and Brentford. All these matches exposed the defensive gaps in the team, while the narrow victories against Burnley and Chelsea just relieved the team and fans temporarily. Brentford smashed United 3-1, and this proves that United are vulnerable in defence, the opposition is dominating in the midfield, and the attack isn’t stepping up consistently.
United fans suffered even more frustration when fourth-tier Grimsby Town knocked their club out of the Carabao Cup earlier this season. The Red Devils finished 15th in the league last season, which was the club’s lowest finish in more than 50 years. Ruben Amorim took the job last year to bring fresh philosophy, but his side still fails to string together consecutive league wins, and this keeps doubts alive.
Former England midfielder Joe Cole told TNT Sports, quoted by Metro, that Amorim looks tense and unsettled. He added that such worry spreads to the squad in crucial moments. With Chelsea next on the schedule, many sense the clash could worsen the slide or spark a much-needed correction.
“No, I don’t think so. He’s had a long enough time to implement what he wants. It’s not just a Ruben Amorim problem; there are huge issues around the club. But he looks anxious on the bench, he looks worried, and I think that will filter through to the players.
“The fact that he hasn’t won back-to-back league games is a huge concern. They need a different direction, in my opinion. You know I don’t like saying that, but for him [Ruben Amorim] as well, he was the bright spark; people were talking about him like the messiah. I thought Gareth Southgate was the perfect man for the job in terms of building a culture and understanding the players. They went with Amorim, and it doesn’t look like it’s working.”
Is a turnaround possible under Amorim?
Fans should have divided opinions on this situation. Some would suggest that this is a relegation threat, but others will concede that it is just too early to come to any sort of conclusion. History has proved time and time again that teams can have sudden revivals. The Red Devils got off to a poor start in 1992/93, but later they came back strongly to win the league.
Amorim may not have that freedom of time, but the club’s heavy investment in players suited to his 3-4-3 system signals a long-term plan. The side plays with more physical intensity in spells, and Amorim has introduced tactical changes, yet their failure to execute consistently on matchdays leaves his work exposed.
The main concern for the team is the gaps in midfield and the defensive woes. All these problems and weaknesses spoil the hard work of the attacks. The manager has not managed back-to-back wins, and critics suggest someone like Gareth Southgate might have offered greater stability. Still, there is hope that the Portuguese manager can turn around this situation.
At the same time, other stories shape the club. Reports link Barcelona with interest in Kobbie Mainoo, while earlier in the summer, United looked at Kauã Santos before signing Senne Lammens. These threads highlight both the uncertainty and the possibilities facing Old Trafford. The coming weeks will show whether Amorim can steady his side or whether the club risks falling back into familiar disappointment.