Just over a year ago, Manchester United made the catastrophic mistake of handing Erik ten Hag a new contract on the back of an unexpected FA Cup Final triumph over bitter rivals Man City.
It was a decision that came back to haunt them as within four months, ten Hag was gone with United in more disarray and new manager Ruben Amorim still paying the price for Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s error.
Twelve months on, though, are United making a similar huge blunder that will impact another manager further down the line?
Man United 'All In' on Ruben Amorim
ruben amorim man utd
United are now so all in with Amorim there’s simply no turning back.
And for a club stung by the expensive signing mistakes of ten Hag’s stint at Old Trafford, fans are worried they could be facing an even bigger disaster if the Amorim project fails.
United are buying players suited to a very specific system played by very few coaches.
Amorim has a niche 3-4-3/3-4-2-1 playing style that demands wing backs rather than the wingers who have been a part of United’s DNA for decades.
Think Ryan Giggs, Cristiano Ronaldo, Andrei Kanchelskis, Lee Sharpe, Steve Coppell, Gordon Hill and Jesper Olsen - flying wingers who had fans off their seats.
Amorim’s system has no room for out-and-out wide men hugging the touchline and it’s one of the reasons Alejandro Garnacho found himself a United outcast, along with Marcus Rashford and record signing Anthony too.
Many United fans are unsure about the wisdom of selling a talent like Garnacho - let alone to a rival English club like Chelsea.
Garnacho has already proved himself an exciting, fast attacker who has already been a big hit at United, who are not exactly overflowing with goals.
His spectacular overhead kick against Everton in November 2023 is an iconic moment in the Premier League’s Hall of Fame for greatest ever goals.
At the time, it prompted Gary Neville to claim it was the best overhead kick he’d ever seen, even surpassing Wayne Rooney’s brilliant derby day stunner against Manchester City in 2011.
Garnacho was arguably the one ‘outcast’ player United fans didn’t want to lose. But if you don’t fit in, Amorim will be brutal in search of the progress he wants.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Old Trafford’s management team have to back the manager’s judgment, otherwise he’ll walk.
Those around Garnacho say he was shocked to be ushered through the exit door so quickly by United.
But Amorim wasn’t prepared to tolerate his outburst and attitude after being dropped for the Europa League Final against Tottenham in Bilbao.
That came after another skirmish between manager and player ended with Garnacho axed for the clash with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in December - a game United won 2-1, thanks to a fine Amad Diallo late winner.
On that occasion Amorim won the argument. Longer term, though, the jury is out on whether selling an attacking talent like Garnacho was the right way to go.
While there’s support for Amorim instilling discipline and protecting the dressing room spirit, another view is that the United manager is playing with fire by offloading a hugely gifted young talent.
Especially when Amorim’s own position isn’t exactly bulletproof.
Man United Could 'Accelerate' Luke Shaw's Exit
Luke Shaw named football's 'most underrated' player
Luke Shaw named football's 'most underrated' player
United have been working towards saying farewell to Luke Shaw for some time with the injury-prone £200,000-a-week defender no longer seen as a reliable squad member.
And his departure could well be accelerated with new teenage signing Diego Leon raising eyebrows, including making an appearance on the bench for the Manchester derby on Sunday.
The Paraguayan youngster, signed for £3,3 million from Cerro Porteno, jumped ahead of Harry Amass, who was allowed to join Sheffield Wednesday on loan.
Although he lacks experience and can improve in several areas, United believe they have unearthed an exciting prospect for the future in Leon.
Leon’s physique, strength and powerful running have convinced Amorim he’s ready to be given opportunities this season - especially in cup competitions.