Stunning Man Utd Numbers Reveal the Ruben Amorim Revolution in Action

Manchester United have already accumulated more minutes in leading positions during their 11 Premier League fixtures this campaign than they achieved across the entire 27 top-flight encounters that Ruben Amorim supervised in 2024–25.

The Portuguese manager might emphasize the numerous shortcomings that persist within his squad, who enter November's international window sitting in seventh position, yet there are certainly encouraging indicators emerging despite the prevailing pessimism.

The Red Devils have accumulated over 496 minutes ahead of their rivals this season, representing 45% of their complete playing time in 2025–26, according to Opta.

By contrast, Manchester City stands as the sole team to have enjoyed extended periods dominating matches this term. Even table-topping Arsenal haven't accumulated as much time in control—though they have managed to conclude eight contests victorious, while United can claim just five victories.

Data courtesy of Opta. Accurate as of Nov. 12, 2025.

United have surrendered six points from advantageous positions this campaign, squandering their lead against Fulham during the season's second weekend before duplicating a peculiar pattern in back-to-back fixtures throughout November's opening fortnight. Against both Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur, United managed to net the opening goal and subsequently fall behind, ultimately salvaging 2–2 stalemates.

Amorim dismissed the Forest mishap as a brief period of chaos but offered a more concerning assessment of the north London setback. Throughout his discussions with various media representatives and the following press briefing, the Portuguese tactician consistently highlighted the forced withdrawals of Casemiro and Harry Maguire as the turning point for United.

The veteran pair were both compelled to exit due to injuries in the 72nd minute, at which stage United held a 1–0 advantage and maintained reasonable control while Spurs struggled to penetrate their defensive structure. With Matthijs de Ligt unable to provide Maguire's stability in the center and Manuel Ugarte struggling without Casemiro's presence in midfield, the visitors immediately conceded twice.

As Amorim emphasized, United managed to equalize in both encounters, demonstrating their enhanced attacking potency this season.

Man Utd's Offensive Progress Under Amorim

Data from FBref. Current as of Nov. 12, 2025.

It appears that £200 million ($262.5 million) invested in a revamped attack line can make a difference. Bryan Mbeumo has emerged as the premier summer acquisition, already accumulating more goals (five) than either Rasmus Højlund (four) or Joshua Zirkzee (three) managed throughout last campaign.

Matheus Cunha's contribution has been less conspicuous—he only found the net for his debut club goal at October's conclusion—but the mobile striker's dynamism both with and without possession has been vital in catalyzing a collective offensive enhancement.

United are finding the net more frequently and generating superior opportunities with two of the previous season's Premier League standouts now integrated into their attacking setup. Rather than attempting significantly more shots, the caliber of chances created by the restructured offense has markedly improved.

This undoubtedly stems from enhanced individual talent, but United's capacity to position Cunha and especially Mbeumo in favorable situations is crucial—Amorim's team employs diagonal switches more regularly than any other Premier League side, launching the ball across the field to provide their forwards with possession while opponents are still reorganizing defensively.

Defensive improvements remain necessary—United's enhanced attacking production has coincided with increased opportunities for their adversaries—and the dependence on Casemiro and Maguire, two senior players whose contracts expire this summer, should raise concerns. Nevertheless, one year into Amorim's controversial reign, there are finally some encouraging developments to appreciate.