Ever since Manchester United’s seismic loss to League Two’s Grimsby Town in the EFL Cup, the club has found itself in a maelstrom of scrutiny after a humiliating 12‑11 penalty shootout defeat. With just one point from two league games to open the season, Ruben Amorim’s grip on the Old Trafford dugout appears perilously loose.
Amorim’s Rigid Blueprint
Critics, pundits, and sympathetic voices alike have emphasized one central weakness: Amorim’s stubborn adherence to his 3‑4‑2‑1 (or 3‑4‑3) system, even as results sink. Fortnite-shaking losses in the Premier League and a defeat in the Europa League final have only intensified doubts about whether his system can thrive amid United’s current landscape.
Poor Set of Results
Despite splashing out over £200 million on attacking talents like Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Šeško, Manchester United remain winless from their opening two league games of the 2025‑26 season. High numbers in expected goals (1.29 vs Arsenal; 1.63 vs Fulham) have failed to yield big returns.
"I'm sorry mate, you don't have time!" 🤬
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 28, 2025
"He's sat looking like he's playing Subbuteo in the rain!" 🌧️
Charlie Austin and Flex had STRONG words for Man Utd and Ruben Amorim after their defeat to Grimsby last night... 😳 pic.twitter.com/FIDByCqHOl
Ditch the Stars, Sign Dyche
In the wake of United’s latest fallout, former striker Charlie Austin delivered a shocking suggestion on Sky Sports. While dismissing the idea of luring football royalty like Zinedine Zidane as presently unrealistic, he pivoted to a more pragmatic solution: appointing Sean Dyche.
"You've got to look at the jobs Sean Dyche has done. He'd stabilize the club!"
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) August 28, 2025
Following on from Manchester United's defeat to Grimsby, Charlie Austin looks at what the future holds for Ruben Amorim and who could replace him💬 pic.twitter.com/AKVgXCHXSn
Burnley: The Miracle Man
At Burnley, Dyche built one of the most stable and overachieving outfits in the Premier League during his ten-year spell (2012–2022). Taking over in the Championship, Dyche won promotion to the Premier League twice, and more impressively, kept Burnley in the top flight for six of seven seasons — including an improbable 7th-place finish in 2017-18, earning them a spot in the Europa League.
He achieved all of this on one of the smallest budgets in the league, relying on tactical discipline, defensive solidity, and a direct but effective style of play. His teams were never flashy, but they were organized, resilient, and hard to beat — three things United have sorely lacked.
Everton: Stabilizing a Freefall
When Dyche took over Everton in January 2023, the club was in crisis: 19th in the table, morale on the floor, and facing financial restrictions due to FFP. He immediately secured survival with a gritty 1–0 win over Arsenal in his first game and eventually dragged the club to 17th place.
But his bigger triumph came in 2023–24, when despite a brutal points deduction (-10) for financial breaches, Dyche guided Everton to safety with games to spare, finishing well clear of the drop. His ability to inspire fight, simplify tactics, and instill belief in a fractured dressing room drew praise from pundits and fans alike.
The Betting Lines Tell the Story
United’s hierarchy and fans alike are looking for a lifeline. Bookmakers have already slashed their odds on Amorim becoming the first Premier League sack of the season, with a Christmas exit now touted as evens.
Meanwhile, a crowded field of plausible successors has emerged. Michael Carrick, buoyed by his ties to the club, and Gareth Southgate, fresh from stepping down as England’s head coach, are joint frontrunners at around 5/1 or 6/1 odds. Adding to the list: Marco Silva, Oliver Glasner, Kieran McKenna, and even the irresistible “big names” like Zidane and Xavi — albeit far down the betting boards.
