Ruben Amorim has been told his days are numbered following Man United's poor start in the Premier League, which was made worse by their 3-0 defeat to Manchester City
Ruben Amorim has endured a disastrous start to the season with Manchester United as doubts continue over his future
(Image: Getty Images)
Ruben Amorim has been warned he will soon be sacked by Manchester United unless he ditches his preferred system.
The Red Devils were comprehensively beaten 3-0 by rivals Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. A goal from Phil Foden followed by two from Erling Haaland went unanswered as United suffered their second defeat in four Premier League matches.
The one-year anniversary of Erik ten Hag's sacking is fast approaching, with Amorim appointed as his replacement at the start of November last year. However, the Portuguese head coach has shown few signs that he has the ability to transform United's fortunes, despite spending almost £200million on new players this summer.
One of the main criticisms levelled at Amorim is his dogged refusal to switch from his favoured 3-4-3 system, even when results aren't going his way. And former United and Wrexham goalkeeper Ben Foster believes it could very soon cost the 40-year-old his job as patience among supporters and even players wears thin.
"It's been rumbling for a long time," said the ex-England shot-stopper on his Fozcast podcast. "Nobody wants to really commit to it [sacking Amorim] but I guarantee you that if they've got eight points and they're still in 14th position after eight games, somebody's going to have to pull the trigger.
"It can't carry on like that. It's nearly a year since he's been managing and it's been proven that it's not working. I get that he wants to play that system, but if you haven't got the players, you can't play it. Surely you just play your best players in their best position, because then you'll get the best out of them."
Manchester United were beaten too easily by Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, with Erling Haaland grabbing a brace
Amorim's early struggles at United were tolerated after guiding his team to a disappointing 15th-place finish in the Premier League last term. The Manchester Evening News reported on Monday that he still has the backing of United officials for the time being despite the club's worst start to a season in 33 years.
However, former England goalkeeper coach Dave Watson, who stars on Foster's podcast, has also questioned Amorim's credentials.
"I don't believe he is a top coach, because you have to have a different way [of playing]," he said. "You're at the top of the tree in terms of Man United and the Premier League and the opposition coaches are too good for you to be stuck in your ways.
"I thought City really dominated from start to finish. We always have the same debate about Amorim, but he's not prepared to adapt in any way, shape or form the tactics of the game.
"He's getting beat tactically all the time by opposition managers and the opposition players are too good in that game against Man United. It's a simple as that."
United face another tough test on Saturday as Chelsea, who are unbeaten in the Premier League so far this season, visit Old Trafford. Enzo Maresca's side are currently fifth in the table after registering two wins and two draws from their opening four fixtures.
Here at The Manchester Evening News, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Manchester United coverage and analysis.
Make sure you don't miss out on the latest United news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.
You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day's biggest stories.
Find more about Ruben Amorim handed Man United transfer ultimatum amid clear sack stance
Find more about Man United legend gives Ruben Amorim sack verdict and sends ominous warning
Find more about Man United handed new Ruben Amorim sack verdict as pressure grows - 'Real issues'
Find more about Ruben Amorim Man United sack latest - Timeline verdict, Roy Keane view and worrying trend
Find more about Ruben Amorim handed brutal Manchester United sacking timeline - 'no other way'
And, finally, if you would rather listen to our expert analysis then make sure to check out our Manchester is Red podcast, featuring The Samuel Luckhurst Show and The Midweek Debate. Our shows are available on all podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and you can also watch along on YouTube.