Manchester United's season spiraled further into despair as they suffered a humiliating defeat in their final match of the year, extending their trophy drought and raising serious questions about Ruben Amorim's tactical approach. The once-optimistic atmosphere surrounding the Portuguese manager's arrival has dissipated, replaced by growing frustration from fans and pundits alike.

Amorim, known for his tactical flexibility and emphasis on attacking football, has struggled to implement his ideas effectively at Old Trafford. His preferred 3-4-2-1 formation, while occasionally showing promise, has often looked disjointed, failing to provide both defensive stability and attacking impetus. The lack of fluidity and the rigid positional play have stifled the creativity of key players, leaving them looking isolated and ineffective.

One of the main criticisms leveled against Amorim is his insistence on sticking to his tactical blueprint, even when it's clear that it's not working. Despite having talented players at his disposal, including Amad Diallo and Matheus Cunha, the team has struggled to generate consistent attacking threats. The over-reliance on wing play and the lack of central penetration have made it easy for opponents to defend against their attacks.

Furthermore, Amorim's high-pressing system, which was a hallmark of his success at Sporting Lisbon, has been poorly executed at United. The players seem unable to maintain the necessary intensity and coordination, leading to defensive vulnerabilities and easy chances for the opposition. The high backline, designed to compress space and win the ball back quickly, has been repeatedly exposed, leaving the team susceptible to counter-attacks.

The central midfield has also been a major area of concern. Kobbie Mainoo, Casemiro, and Manuel Ugarte have all struggled to adapt to Amorim's demanding system, which requires them to cover vast amounts of ground and press intensely on the ball. The lack of midfield control has made it difficult for United to dictate the tempo of games and protect their defense.

While Amorim's tactics have come under scrutiny, it's important to acknowledge that the problems at Manchester United run deeper than just the manager. The club has systemic issues that have plagued them for years, including poor recruitment, a lack of leadership, and a toxic culture. Amorim inherited a squad that was already underperforming, and he has been unable to turn things around quickly.

However, as the losses continue to mount, the pressure on Amorim will only intensify. He needs to find a way to adapt his tactics to the strengths of his players and address the underlying issues that are holding the team back. Otherwise, Manchester United's horror year could be a sign of things to come under his leadership.