Manager Ruben Amorim under the pressure at Manchester United, but not in the way you would think.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is seeking guarantees that Ruben Amorim will “at least complete the remaining two years of his contract”, following growing signs that the Portuguese coach could resign, leaving Manchester United in an “even worse chaotic situation”.
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From a sporting perspective, things have gone from bad to worse since Manchester United hired Amorim as a replacement for Erik ten Hag.
A strange logic!
The Red Devils are languishing in 16th place in the Premier League with a goal difference of -12. Amorim has previously stated that this Manchester United team is the worst in the club’s history.
United have not won any of their last eight league games, and Amorim’s own comments suggest that his future at Old Trafford is uncertain.
“This is a pivotal moment in the club’s history,” Amorim said last week. “We have to be really strong in the summer transfer window and show courage, because we can’t have another season like this. If we start in the same way, if the feeling is still here, we should give the space to other people.”
After this, he admitted that he feels ashamed of his inability to turn United’s form around.
“I’m ashamed that we’ve only won six out of 26 league games. Something is fundamentally wrong with the way we play football,” Amorim told Sky Sports. “Sometimes it’s not about tactics, but about our mentality – how we face opposition and how we deal with defeat. We have to get angry when we lose.”
He added: “After everything we’ve been through, I have a clear picture of what this team needs to be much better. It’s not just about what happens on the pitch, but also off it. We have all the prerequisites to improve.”
Now Manchester United now fear that Amorim could give up – even if they beat Tottenham in the Europa League final on Wednesday night.
Ratcliffe requires guarantees – transitions may be affected
Talksport reports: “There are concerns that even a Champions League place via victory in the Europa League final may not be enough to keep the Portuguese coach. He has already hinted that playing in Europe’s elite could be too much for a team that, in his opinion, ‘no longer fears losing’.”
Amorim is currently involved in United’s summer scheduling. He supports the club’s pursuit of Matheus Cunha, and together with Omar Berrada (CEO) and Jason Wilcox (technical director), has a decisive voice in the transfer strategy.
If Amorim does not give Ratcliffe clear signals that he is staying, his influence on player movements will weaken.
United have no plans to sack Amorim, even in the event of a defeat against Tottenham and without Champions League football next season. The club is convinced that they have the right man and will give him financial support this summer.
But as mentioned, the fear is growing internally that Amorim himself may choose to leave – not on the club’s initiative, but on his own.
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