Man United head coach Ruben Amorim is under increasing pressure after the Carabao Cup defeat to Grimsby Town.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe embraces Ruben Amorim after the Europa League final last season.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe (right) could stand by Ruben Amorim.(Image: Michael Regan - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images.)
Following Wednesday night's shock Carabao Cup exit at the hands of League Two side Grimsby Town, pressure is naturally increasing on Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim.
Yes, it's only August. Yes, the season is only three games old. Yes, United still have work to do in the transfer market. However, all of the positivity generated throughout pre-season is already a distant memory.
With the first international break of the season almost upon us, there is already pressure on Amorim and United to deliver a result against Burnley at Old Trafford on Saturday.
The Clarets are among the favourites for relegation from the Premier League this season and anything less than three points for United will be frowned upon, resulting in the pressure on Amorim's shoulders increasing further.
United, of course, have been through their fair share of managers and coaches since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, meaning many believe the club should stand by Amorim in the hope of him turning the club's fortunes around. Almost every United supporter acknowledged he needed a full pre-season and full summer transfer window before making a firm judgement on him.
However, following the manner of Wednesday night's defeat on the Lincolnshire coast, questions are being asked of the Portuguese chief just three games into the season.
It feels unlikely that United will pull the plug on Amorim just yet, particularly if co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe's comments on the former Sporting Lisbon boss are anything to go by.
Ratcliffe told the BBC back in March: "I think Ruben is an outstanding young manager. I really do.
"I think he is an excellent manager and I think he'll be there for a long time."
Sir Jim Ratcliffe speaks at the opening of Manchester United's new training ground.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is a big fan of Ruben Amorim.
(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images.)
United, following several comings and goings in recent years, desperately need a sense of continuity. Amorim ranked as one of Europe's most promising coaches last year and was United's top target to replace Erik ten Hag last November, meaning he carries the belief of the club's hierarchy in him.
"I think if you look at the squad he has got at his disposal, with the injury list he has got at his disposal, and he comes in mid-season where he has had no time to train the players in his style of play, I think he has done really well," Ratcliffe continued, speaking in the same interview he conducted earlier this year.
"I think you are beginning to see a glimpse of what Ruben can produce. I think you saw a glimpse of that against Arsenal yesterday."
To Amorim's credit, United have offered glimpses of what they can do under him. However, they have now won just four of their last 17 games either side of the summer break - and that record is becoming increasingly difficult for Amorim to defend.