Manchester United were thrashed 3-1 by Brentford and Ruben Amorim's position is now under serious threat with several contenders to replace him at Old Trafford
Chris Burns Senior Sports Writer and Neil Docking
06:34, 02 Oct 2025Updated 06:34, 02 Oct 2025
Ruben Amorim
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Ruben Amorim has been heavily backed at Manchester United but it's not paid off so far(Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United plunged to familiar depths when they were thoroughly outclassed 3-1 by Brentford, after United manager Ruben Amorim had eased some of the mounting pressure following his side's victory over Chelsea the previous week.
Nevertheless, Thomas Frank's team ultimately strolled to triumph after Bruno Fernandes squandered a penalty. Amorim now sees his already fragile position coming under fire once more, after the worst season United have endured in 50 years last term.
United presently languish in 14th place in the Premier League and have secured just two victories throughout the entire campaign. With Amorim's 3-4-3 formation facing criticism, new acquisition Bryan Mbeumo has revealed his views on the tactical setup.
Zinedine Zidane has also spoken out as speculation continues linking him with the United role. Here's all the latest news from Old Trafford.
Mbeumo's views on Amorim formation
Bryan Mbeumo has had to get used to a new way of playing at Manchester United
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Bryan Mbeumo has had to get used to life at Manchester United(Image: James Gill - Danehouse, Getty Images)
Mbeumo was recruited by Amorim this summer from Brentford. Whilst the Cameroon star has appeared impressive in a United jersey, he suffered a difficult homecoming in west London at the weekend, reports the Mirror.
Following the match, the 26-year-old forward expressed his assessment of Amorim's favoured 3-4-3 formation. He told Sky Sports: "Of course, it's a little different for me, but I've been playing this system in the past as well.
"Obviously, we have a lot of things, but it's our responsibility to find the good things and to be better, I think. I don't think there is anything [wrong] about the system, it's just us improving in certain areas.
"Of course it will improve, we haven't played a lot together, so there are certain things that we're going to improve, and there are different types of players, but it's good to be with them."
Zidane breaks his silence
Zinedine Zidane places the Champions League Trophy onto the plinth after the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 Final match between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid CF at Wembley Stadium on June 01, 2024 in London, England.
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Zinedine Zidane has been linked with the job at Old Trafford(Image: Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Zidane has tantalisingly ended a brief hiatus from social media this week. The former French legend shared a photograph on Instagram, striking a pose against the New York City skyline.
Whilst he's clearly relishing his downtime, supporters will now be monitoring the 53-year-old's next step closely.
The upload marks his first personal post for a week, and conjecture will be widespread that he deliberately timed the publication just as whispers about him accepting the United position have emerged once more.
Nevertheless, his representative, Alain Migliaccio, had previously stated that Zidane wasn't keen on managing in the Premier League.
He said: "I do not think that he will manage in England. It is much less his style. I have discussed it with him. It does not really attract him."
Amorim replacement 'named'
Ruben Amorim, head coach of Manchester United
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Ruben Amorim may not be head coach of Manchester United for much longer(Image: Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
Should Amorim be shown the door at United, candidates such as Crystal Palace's Oliver Glasner and former England manager Gareth Southgate have been mentioned.
Nevertheless, United have also been linked with an interest in Bournemouth chief Andoni Iraola. The Cherries sit sixth in the Premier League following just one loss thus far this campaign.
And ex-United shot-stopper Ben Foster reckons the Spaniard could possess what's required to transform United's fortunes. He said: "Iraola is the one for me."
Speaking on the Ben Foster – The Cycling GK podcast he added: "To lose half your squad, half your starting line-up, and then still be just as impressive, for me, that means you're a proper coach.
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"But if they're trying to get Iraola or Glasner then it's going to cost an awful lot of money."
Foster also put forward the idea of former Three Lions manager Southgate taking over at Old Trafford. He added: "I just think with Gareth Southgate, it's so different to what they've ever done and what they're doing isn't working."