Manchester United’s dismal 2024-25 season hit another low on Sunday as Ruben Amorim’s side fell to a 1-0 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The loss, which came courtesy of an early James Maddison goal, leaves United languishing in 15th place in the Premier League table after 25 games, just 12 points clear of the relegation zone and a staggering 15 points behind fourth-placed Manchester City.
The result has sparked widespread criticism from fans and pundits alike, with former United winger Gordon Hill delivering a particularly brutal assessment of the club’s current state. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Hill didn’t hold back in his critique, comparing United to a luxury car with an underpowered engine and questioning the team’s tactical approach under Amorim.
Hill’s Blunt Assessment: “We Could Go to Fantasy Island and Still Lose”
Gordon Hill, who made over 100 appearances for United in the 1970s, is no stranger to speaking his mind. Following Sunday’s defeat, he took to social media to express his frustration with the team’s performance, using a series of pointed analogies to highlight the gulf between the club’s stature and its current on-pitch struggles.
“We could go to Fantasy Island and still f—— lose,” Hill wrote, capturing the sense of despair among United fans after yet another disappointing result.
He followed up with another tweet, comparing United to a luxury car with an engine that simply doesn’t match its prestige.
“As I see it, Manchester United at this moment is a ‘Rolls-Royce club,’” Hill said. “With a mini engine. It ain’t gonna work.”
Hill’s comments reflect the growing disconnect between United’s status as one of the world’s biggest clubs and their inability to compete at the highest level. Despite boasting a rich history, a global fanbase, and significant financial resources, the team’s performances on the pitch have been anything but elite.
A Call for Simplicity: Hill’s Tactical Suggestion
In addition to his criticism, Hill also offered a potential solution to United’s woes, advocating for a return to a more traditional formation.
“I would play a 4-4-2. Trusted and tried,” he tweeted.
The 4-4-2 formation, a staple of United’s success under Sir Alex Ferguson, is often associated with simplicity, balance, and directness. Hill’s suggestion highlights the need for Amorim to find a system that maximises the strengths of his players while minimising their weaknesses.
However, whether Amorim will heed Hill’s advice remains to be seen. The Portuguese manager has largely stuck to his preferred tactical setup since arriving at Old Trafford, but the lack of results has raised questions about its effectiveness in the Premier League.
Amorim’s Uphill Battle: A Job Tougher Than Expected
Ruben Amorim’s appointment as Manchester United manager in November 2024 was met with cautious optimism. The former Sporting CP boss had earned a reputation as one of Europe’s most promising young coaches, leading his former club to two Liga Portugal titles and implementing an attractive, high-intensity style of play.
However, Amorim has found the task of reviving United far more challenging than anticipated. The team’s struggles in the Premier League have been compounded by a lack of consistency, individual errors, and a squad that appears ill-suited to his tactical demands.
Gordon Hill was quick to defend Amorim, insisting that the problems at United predate the Portuguese manager’s arrival.
“Amorim has come in and is trying to put things into play, but it is not happening, and he did not realise what a tough job it is,” Hill said. “No person or manager could change what has happened only in the past few months. This has been there for some time, before he arrived.”
Hill’s comments underscore the scale of the challenge facing Amorim. The issues at United – from recruitment failures to a lack of identity – have been years in the making, and it will take more than a few months to address them.
The Bigger Picture: A Club in Crisis
Manchester United’s struggles this season are symptomatic of deeper issues within the club. Despite significant investment in the squad, the team has failed to gel, with key players underperforming and a lack of leadership on and off the pitch.
The defeat to Tottenham was just the latest in a string of disappointing results that have left United closer to the relegation zone than the top four. With just eight wins from 25 Premier League games, the team’s form has been nothing short of woeful.
While Amorim has enjoyed some success in cup competitions, including the Europa League and FA Cup, his inability to translate that form to the Premier League has raised questions about his long-term future at the club.
Looking Ahead: A Crucial Period for United
As United prepare for their next Premier League fixture against Everton at Goodison Park, the pressure on Amorim and his players continues to mount. The match represents an opportunity to bounce back from Sunday’s defeat, but it also highlights the need for immediate improvement.
For Gordon Hill and many United fans, the hope is that the club can rediscover its identity and return to the heights of previous eras. However, as Hill’s comments make clear, the road to recovery will be long and fraught with challenges.
What do you think about Gordon Hill’s assessment of Manchester United? Should Amorim switch to a 4-4-2 formation, or is the problem deeper than tactics? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below or on our social media channels.
