Former Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has delivered a brutal assessment of Manchester United's progress under manager Ruben Amorim, bluntly dismissing suggestions that the Red Devils are showing genuine improvement despite their recent upturn in results.
Questioning the Evidence of Progress
Speaking on Sky Sports, the ex-Netherlands international responded with incredulity when presented with claims that United had turned a corner under their Portuguese manager. "I don't think they have improved, I'm sorry," Hasselbaink stated emphatically. "Where, where have they improved? They have not scored more goals, they have not had less goals against, they have not won any trophies."
The former Burton Albion, Northampton Town and QPR manager acknowledged United's European final appearance last season but downplayed its significance. "Yes, they have been in a final in Europe but lost against a poor side, Tottenham were a poor side last year," he remarked, maintaining that Amorim still has "a lot of work to do" to make his side successful.
Contrasting Perspectives on United's Form
Hasselbaink's criticism comes despite United currently enjoying a five-match unbeaten run in the Premier League heading into the international break. This positive sequence has included notable results such as a 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Anfield and a dramatic late draw against Tottenham on Saturday.
The improved form has lifted Manchester United to seventh position in a congested Premier League table, sitting just two points behind third-placed Chelsea. This represents a significant contrast to last season's struggles, where Amorim oversaw a worrying record of seven wins, six draws and 14 defeats in 27 top-flight matches.
This campaign has seen better returns with five victories, three draws and three defeats so far, though two of those losses came against current top-two sides Arsenal and Manchester City.
Manager's Cautious Stance Amid Criticism
Interestingly, Amorim himself appears to share some of Hasselbaink's caution about overstating United's progress. Following the 2-2 draw with Tottenham, the 40-year-old manager sought to temper excitement around his team's unbeaten run.
"We have a lot of problems, we are just in the beginning," Amorim admitted post-match. "I know that sometimes the results show to people that we are improving. We are improving but we have a lot to do."
The Portuguese manager's tenure at Old Trafford began officially on November 1 last year, with his first game in charge ending in a 1-1 draw with Ipswich ten days later. His initial period proved challenging, culminating in an apology to fans after overseeing a 15th place finish - United's worst performance in the Premier League era.
Further questions about Amorim's leadership emerged in August when United suffered a shock Carabao Cup exit to Grimsby. Hasselbaink concluded his assessment by questioning United's creativity, stating "I don't think they are creative enough, not like they used to be," suggesting fundamental issues remain despite recent positive results.
