Paul Merson says Ruben Amorim would be a 'perfect fit' for Chelsea as Manchester United struggles continue

Paul Merson said Tuesday that Ruben Amorim would be a "perfect fit" at Chelsea as he criticised the Manchester United manager's poor run of results since arriving at Old Trafford.

Amorim, who replaced Erik ten Hag last November, presided over a 15th-place Premier League finish and a defeat to Tottenham in the Europa League final last season. United have struggled to produce consistent results this term, with one league victory so far — against newly promoted Burnley — and an early Carabao Cup exit to League Two side Grimsby Town.

Writing in a Sky Sports column, Merson criticised Amorim's continued adherence to a 4-3-3 system and a three-at-the-back variant with attacking wing-backs. "He'll look at it and say 'I've got where I am today by playing the way I play', using three at the back and high wing-backs," Merson wrote. "He would have been a perfect fit for Chelsea. They've got world-class wing-backs in Reece James and Malo Gusto, they've got the best holding midfield player in the league in Moises Caicedo. It would fit the players."

Merson also questioned United's prospects of reaching European places under Amorim, noting the manager has not recorded back-to-back league wins in nearly a year. "That's unthinkable for a club like Man Utd," he wrote.

Amorim has defended his methods following a 3-0 defeat by Manchester City in the most recent league fixture. He told reporters after the game he would not abandon his philosophy, saying those who wanted a change in approach should replace the manager. "I am not going to change my philosophy. I will play my way until I want to change," Amorim said. "Guys, I understand (the questions) and I accept it is not a record you should have at Man United. But there are a lot of things that you have no idea about what happen in the last months."

The Portuguese coach added that he believed the team was showing improvement that was not yet reflected in results and said he was committed to doing his best for the club. "It is normal (if fans are losing faith), but I don't accept that we are not doing better. We are doing better and the results don't show that, the record says everything, I understand. My message is I will do everything. I will give everything. It is not my decision, the rest. I will do my best. I am suffering more than (the fans)."

United's summer transfer window brought investment intended to close the gap on the Premier League's top clubs, but those additions have yet to deliver the level of consistency supporters expected. The Red Devils' early-season form, compounded by the Carabao Cup upset and the heavy defeat to City, has intensified scrutiny of Amorim's tactics and team selection.

Chelsea, whom Merson identified as a better tactical fit for Amorim, have wing-backs and a defensive midfielder — Moises Caicedo — whose attributes Merson said would suit the Portuguese's preferred system. Merson framed his critique as an observation about personnel fit rather than a dismissal of Amorim's ability to coach in England.

Manchester United have not publicly signalled a change of course since the City's defeat. The club is scheduled to resume Premier League action in coming fixtures, and results over the next weeks are likely to shape both the manager's prospects and fan sentiment.

Amorim's arrival last November followed a turbulent period at Old Trafford and came with high expectations. The season-ending defeat in the Europa League final denied the club European football, and the current campaign's slow start has left questions about whether Amorim's long-term approach can be made to work with United's existing squad.