Former Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has cast doubt on the notion that Manchester United have made genuine progress under manager Ruben Amorim, despite a recent run of positive results that has lifted the team up the Premier League table.
Amorim took charge of United last November, inheriting a struggling side that went on to finish a disappointing 15th in the league – their lowest-ever position in Premier League history. That campaign ended in further heartbreak with a Europa League final loss to Tottenham Hotspur, which denied the club a return to the Champions League.
This season began under heavy scrutiny following a shock Carabao Cup elimination to lower-tier Grimsby Town. However, the team’s league form has improved in recent weeks, with United going unbeaten in five matches heading into the international break. That run included a dramatic draw with Tottenham and a memorable 2-1 win over rivals Liverpool at Anfield, lifting them to seventh place – just two points behind third-placed Chelsea.
Despite these encouraging results, Hasselbaink believes the club has yet to make tangible progress. He argued that United’s underlying issues remain unresolved, insisting that Amorim still faces major challenges in restoring the team’s former glory.
According to the ex-forward, the Red Devils have not demonstrated improvement in key areas such as goals scored, defensive solidity, or consistency in winning matches. He also downplayed their European final appearance, describing last season’s Tottenham side as “a poor team” and suggesting that merely reaching the final was not a true sign of progress.
Statistics show a slight improvement this season, with five wins, three draws, and three losses in the first 11 games, compared to seven wins, six draws, and 14 defeats in 27 matches last term. Victories against Chelsea and Liverpool have been highlights, but losses to Arsenal and Manchester City have kept expectations grounded.
Amorim himself has maintained a cautious tone, acknowledging that there is still much work to do. After their 2-2 draw with Spurs, the Portuguese coach admitted that while results may suggest progress, the team continues to grapple with deeper structural and performance issues that need long-term solutions.
