Manchester United will sack Ruben Amorim if results don’t improve and the club fail to escape mid-table mediocrity in the Premier League next season, according to reports. There is a sense of a long-term plan surrounding the 40-year-old’s project at Old Trafford, but the Red Devils allegedly won’t allow the current rate of defeats to continue beyond this term.
Amorim accepted a poisoned chalice when he agreed to walk away from his reign of dominance at Sporting to replace Erik ten Hag in November. He swapped one of Europe’s most impressive sides for a squad in disarray, and his early results in the dugout have reflected the turbulent period he is attempting to navigate. There is a widespread acceptance that Amorim needs time to reshape his options in the transfer market and instil his complex 3-4-3 system.
However, according to The Athletic, United won’t give the Portuguese tactician much time if he continues to oversee frequent defeats.
The report adds that Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Sir Dave Brailsford and Omar Berrada want the appointment of Amorim to work out to avoid more negative publicity.
Yet, it’s claimed that United languishing in 13th at this stage of next season won’t be acceptable to an ambitious regime aiming for the Premier League title in 2028.
The Red Devils’ 1-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night was their 11th in 29 games since Amorim took charge.
He has won just six of his 19 Premier League outings, losing nine, and faces a daunting run-in filled with tough matches.
During a series of honest interviews in March, Sir Jim showed strong backing for Amorim, understanding the difficult situation he inherited.
“If I actually look at the squad which is available to Ruben, I think he is doing a really good job to be honest,” the INEOS kingpin explained.
“I think Ruben is an outstanding young manager. I really do. He’s an excellent manager, and I think he will be there for a long time.
“You are beginning to see a glimpse of what Ruben can produce. I think you saw a glimpse of it against Arsenal.
“How many players against Arsenal on the bench did you recognise? How many have ever worn a Manchester United shirt for [the first team]… as there’s no squad left?
“We are down to the last 10 or 11 men in the squad, really, of proper first-team players. Ruben is doing a super job.
“He is, as most great coaches are, an emotional character. Ruben is not perfect, but I am a great supporter of Ruben.”
