James Ducker

Manchester United fans protests against the introduction of a minimum £66 ticket price

Telegraph Sport looks at key areas that Portuguese head coach has had to contend with after five weeks in the job

Nine months before returning to Manchester City as Pep Guardiola's assistant, Juanma Lillo wrote a personal lament about how modern football's increasing obsession with methodology had robbed the sport of its mavericks.

It has been a whirlwind start to life as Manchester United head coach for Ruben Amorim . If he was not already fully braced for what was heading his way when he arrived, the Portuguese will be now after a chaotic first 38 days at the helm.

Pep Guardiola has revealed he gave Manchester City's players two days off this week to clear their heads amid the belief his side's troubles now are all “in our minds”.

Manager hopes decision to give struggling squad extra time off will deliver a reaction against Aston Villa

It is exactly 12 months on Christmas Eve since Sir Jim Ratcliffe agreed a deal with the Glazers for an influential minority stake in Manchester United – and to suggest it has been a turbulent past year for the club would be a gross understatement.

It is exactly 12 months on Christmas Eve since Sir Jim Ratcliffe agreed a deal with the Glazers for an influential minority stake in Manchester United – and to suggest it has been a turbulent past year for the club would be a gross understatement.

Manchester United have had their hygiene rating slashed after a mice infestation at Old Trafford.

Ink was barely dry on Dutchman’s new contract when club interviewed at least half a dozen other managers