Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson believes Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim would have thrived at Chelsea rather than struggling at Old Trafford.

Chelsea are not in search of a new head coach, with Enzo Maresca delivering remarkable success since replacing Mauricio Pochettino over a year ago. The Italian has guided the Blues to a FIFA Club World Cup title, a UEFA Conference League triumph, and secured a return to the Champions League.

Amorim, meanwhile, has endured a difficult spell since succeeding Erik ten Hag at Manchester United. The Red Devils finished 15th in the Premier League last season and suffered a 2-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final.

Under the Portuguese tactician, United have managed just 31 points from 31 league games, winning only eight. The poor run has sparked speculation that Amorim could be dismissed, especially with United enduring their worst start to a season since 1992-93.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Merson argued that Amorim’s tactical system would have flourished at Stamford Bridge.

“He would have been a perfect fit for Chelsea,” Merson said. “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.
You look at Man United and this system does not suit the squad they’ve got at all. The two wing-backs are nowhere near it, nowhere near good enough. No legs in midfield. Everything is up against him.”

Opinion: Right Coach, Wrong Club?

Merson’s comments highlight a brutal reality of modern football: even the most talented coaches can falter if they’re working with the wrong squad. Amorim arrived at United with a glowing reputation from Sporting CP, but he has walked into a team lacking the personnel to match his high-energy, wing-back-focused philosophy.

Chelsea, on the other hand, seem tailor-made for Amorim’s style. With pacey full-backs, a dynamic midfield anchored by Caicedo, and a youthful, energetic squad, his tactical blueprint could have slotted in seamlessly. Instead, at United, he faces a mismatched roster and constant pressure to deliver instant results.

It begs the question: is Amorim truly underperforming, or is he simply the victim of a club that has lost its identity? History shows that great managers—from Louis van Gaal to José Mourinho—have also struggled in the post-Ferguson chaos.

Perhaps Merson is right. Amorim at Chelsea might have been a thrilling partnership. At United, though, unless the squad is reshaped to fit his philosophy, the Portuguese coach may never get the chance to prove just how good he really is.