The effort required for this Manchester United team to create goal-scoring opportunities is several times greater than the effort opponents need to breach United's defense. So, what changes need to be made to improve the situation? And does Amorim have the conviction and ability to implement those changes?
Regarding this, there are mainly two viewpoints. The first argument holds that this defeat came in just the fourth game of the new season, and acknowledges uncontrollable external factors for Manchester United—such as injuries to Matheus Cunha, Mason Mount, and Diogo Dalot, all of whom are Amorim's most trusted players.
Admittedly, every team faces injury issues, but when the coach's tactical system is still being refined, the absence of more athletic ball-carrying attackers and wing-backs compounds the difficulties for Amorim.
With only 4 points from 4 games, this is the club's worst start to a season since 1992-93. However, the team's style of play has improved, and few people now want to disrupt this trajectory.
Once Amorim has more time each week to train with his best players, changes will follow. The underwhelming starts of Aston Villa and other mid-table Premier League teams mean that this slow start is more disappointing than dangerous, and these early-season struggles can be seen as unfortunate bumps on the path to stability.
The second viewpoint argues that Sunday's loss was Amorim's 20th defeat in 47 matches in charge, and questions whether it is wise to continue employing a Premier League manager who has only secured 31 points from 31 games.
Amorim's tactical system has multiple layers, but his 3-4-3 formation neither maximizes the strengths of his best players nor masks their weaknesses.
In the Manchester Derby, left wing-back Patrick Dorgu recorded more touches in the opposition's penalty area (12) than Bryan Mbeumo (9) and Bruno Fernandes (0)—is this a sensible tactical choice?
Manchester United under Amorim approaches matches like a rehearsal rather than a high-stakes competitive fixture. While hope is a crucial part of every fan's mindset, there is currently little evidence to suggest that Manchester United is fully prepared to tackle the numerous challenges posed by the Premier League.
