Ruben Amorim has been in charge of Manchester United for less than a year, but is already under pressure after a poor start to the season
Ruben Amorim watching on during the Manchester derby in September 2025
Ruben Amorim watching on during the Manchester derby
(Image: Getty Images)
When he succeeded Erik ten Hag as Manchester United's head coach, Ruben Amorim gave himself a two-year deadline to prove his worth, but he is feeling the heat less than a year into the job.
On Sunday, Amorim's United delivered a lacklustre performance in a 3-0 defeat to Manchester City, leaving his side with only 31 points from 31 league matches.
Questions are being raised about the former Sporting CP boss, and his remarks from his first week in charge have resurfaced. "In two years you will understand if I am the right man to be in this process," Amorim stated in November 2024. "In two years you can understand if you want to continue on this path or you want to change."
At the time, he called for patience, saying: "I know at Manchester United we have to win games. We need a lot of time because it's a tough league, we have to improve a lot to try to win the title. We have to change the physical aspect of the team. I don't know how long it will take," he said.
Despite the challenges, Amorim's first season had its bright spots, including a run to the Europa League final. However, United fell short in Bilbao, meaning they are without European football this season.
Ruben Amorim and his Manchester United players after September's derby defeat
Ruben Amorim and his Manchester United players after September's derby defeat
Since that final defeat, he has received substantial backing in the transfer market, with £200million invested in attacking firepower through the acquisitions of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko.
Nevertheless, following the setback at the Etihad Stadium that left his team with just four points from four matches this term, he maintained he wouldn't abandon his core beliefs.
He acknowledged that the ultimate decision regarding United's managerial position rests beyond his control, telling the hierarchy that - should they wish to alter the playing style - they would need to bring in a different manager.
Ruben Amorim speaking after Manchester City vs Manchester United
Ruben Amorim speaking after Manchester City vs Manchester United
"When I want to change my philosophy, I will change," he said. "If not, you have to change the man. We will talk about that every game that we lose. I don't believe in that, in the system, or whatever. I believe in my way and I am going to play my way until I want to change.
My message is that I am going to give everything. I will do everything, always thinking about what is best for the club. That was always the same message. It is not my decision, the rest (on whether United change manager). Until I am here, I will do my best. I really want to win games. I am suffering more than them."