Ruben Amorim is under increasing pressure at Manchester United after a poor start to the season and the club's owners are concerned he could walk away
Ruben Amorim reacts during Manchester United's defeat to Brentford
Ruben Amorim reacts during Manchester United's defeat to Brentford(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
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Manchester United's co-owners, Ineos, are reportedly worried that manager Ruben Amorim might choose to resign before being dismissed in an attempt to preserve his managerial reputation.
Since his appointment at Old Trafford in November 2024, Amorim has had a challenging time. Despite leading United to the Europa League final last season, where they were defeated by Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao, they finished a disappointing 16th, comfortably outside the European places ensuring his tenure has been fraught with difficulties.
The current season hasn't started well either. Despite a victory over Chelsea prior to their clash with Brentford, Amorim's side have suffered three Premier League defeats and were shockingly knocked out of the Carabao Cup by League Two's Grimsby Town.
In total, under Amorim's leadership, United have managed just 19 wins from 49 matches, raising serious questions about his future. However, according to the i Newspaper, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos are prepared to stand by their manager.
It is believed that the British billionaire is committed to his long-term vision for United and is reluctant to rush into another dismissal. Nonetheless, there are concerns within the club that Ineos may not have a say in the matter.
According to two sources cited by the national newspaper, it is almost certain that Amorim will choose to leave United before Ratcliffe has the chance to sack him. They suggest that the Portuguese manager is becoming increasingly frustrated by the constant criticism following losses.
Amorim is believed to view these as 'knee-jerk' reactions and is reportedly taken aback by the intense scrutiny surrounding his managerial tenure. A source told the i that Amorim might soon have to contemplate stepping down to 'preserve his managerial career'.
Despite the swirling rumours about Amorim's future, it's understood that no successor has been identified for the Portuguese head coach. No managers are believed to have been approached by United to replace Amorim, although Ratcliffe remains a fan of Gareth Southgate following his successful tenure with the England national team.
United are back in action this Saturday when they welcome high-flying Sunderland to Old Trafford.
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