Ruben Amorim has three games to save his Manchester United job as the Portuguese shows no signs of turning the club's fortunes around after a miserable defeat to Manchester City
David McDonnell Chief Manchester United Football Correspondent
16:32, 16 Sep 2025Updated 16:33, 16 Sep 2025
Ruben Amorim
Ruben Amorim is under mounting pressure at Manchester United(Image: Matt West/Shutterstock)
Ruben Amorim is facing a critical three-game period that could determine his future as Manchester United manager.
The Red Devils have managed to secure just four points from their first four Premier League matches this season, leaving them in 14th place.
Since taking the reins at United 10 months ago, Amorim has only clinched eight victories in 31 league matches, leading to talk of diminishing confidence among some senior players. Despite assurances from the United board that Amorim still has their full support and there are no plans for a replacement, it's understood they will evaluate the team's position after the next three games.
United are set to host Chelsea at Old Trafford on Saturday, followed by an away match against Brentford and a home game with newly-promoted Sunderland before the international break.
Amorim is acutely aware of the mounting pressure following a disappointing start to the new season, especially given last term's performance when United finished in 15th place under his leadership - their worst league position in 51 years.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe
Manchester United's hierarchy could pull the plug on their first appointment(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
The first match after the international break sees United face off against arch-rivals and reigning champions Liverpool. If there's no improvement in form or results before the trip to Anfield, club chiefs may feel compelled to consider replacing Amorim.
Despite privately maintaining their faith in Amorim, United's football leadership team previously gave similar assurances to Erik ten Hag, only to dismiss him nine league games into the previous season.
The upcoming league fixture against Sunderland will be United's eighth of the season and a crucial test for Amorim.
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He is fully aware that he will continue to face criticism and test the patience of those who appointed him if he cannot steer the team towards a winning streak.
Potential replacements for Amorim include Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner, former England boss Gareth Southgate, Fulham's Marco Silva and Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola.
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Mauricio Pochettino, ex-Tottenham manager and current USA head coach, who was linked with the United job when Ten Hag was appointed, is also being considered for the Old Trafford hot seat should Amorim be dismissed.