Ruben Amorim is facing increasing pressure after a disappointing start to the season. The Portuguese tactician has managed only 19 victories in his first 49 games over 11 months with the club, and despite guiding the team to the Europa League final, he has struggled to make an impact on the domestic front.
Following a 15th-place finish in the 2024/25 season, United are currently languishing in 14th position this term, having won just two of their six matches so far, and rumours suggest that the 40-year-old’s job could be at risk if there is no significant improvement in results and performance. However, according to the Manchester Evening News, the United board continues to support him, and in light of these developments, we bring you the latest news regarding the future of the former Sporting CP manager.
Southgate not interested
Gareth Southgate would reportedly turn down an offer from United if they were to dismiss Amorim. The ex-England manager was previously one of the leading candidates for the United job in March 2024.
Although Southgate’s commitment to England ahead of the European Championship thwarted United’s attempts to initiate discussions at that time, he is currently without a job. However, the Daily Star reports that Southgate is not in a hurry to return to football and is keeping his options open.
Southgate is notably good friends with Dan Ashworth. The former Red Devils sporting director had plans to appoint Southgate during his tenure at United before leaving after five months.
Time for change
Sky Sports pundit Alan Smith believes that Amorim’s tenure at United is nearing its end, suggesting he has reached a point of no return. “It’s got to that point of no return, I don’t think things are going to get better,” Smith told Sky Sports News. “He’s been in the hot seat for coming up to a year, and he’s had a transfer window, but you can’t see any signs of improvement. One or two matches, you get flashes; they [United] played quite well against Arsenal on the opening day, but still lost.
“I’ve never seen a manager go about their business the way that Ruben Amorim is at the moment. It’s a well-trodden path about his system and the fact that it maybe doesn’t suit a lot of the players, but you’re not telling me he shouldn’t be doing better, even with that system. You look at the players at the back – Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire – Bruno Fernandes going forward, [Matheus] Cunha and [Bryan] Mbeumo. They’ve got good players. It doesn’t look like the right fit, and that’s putting it mildly.
“There’s a lot of talk that they’re not going to sack him until a certain date towards the end of this year to save a pay-off. It’s difficult to read the minds of the hierarchy at United as to what they’re thinking, but I think they know, and everyone will be telling them that it is time for a change.”
‘Not absolutely safe’
Few seem convinced that Amorim’s position remains secure, with journalist Fabrizio Romano indicating that, whilst the manager won’t face immediate dismissal, forthcoming fixtures could prove decisive. “I’m not here saying that Amorim is absolutely safe,” he said.
“Amorim’s job is not absolutely safe in this moment because they need to perform in a different way because Man United want to see results. But it doesn’t mean that Manchester United have met with Southgate or already started the process to appoint Gareth Southgate as new boss.
“So let’s wait, let’s see what happens. But for sure, the next games will be important for Ruben Amorim.”
Timeline and resignation concerns
Amorim might have just one additional month to persuade his bosses he deserves their continued backing. United could postpone any dismissal of Amorim until he completes a year of service, owing to the considerable compensation package he would be entitled to receive. According to The Daily Mail, United would have to pay a substantial £12m bill should they dismiss the 40-year-old before he reaches 12 months in charge.
Conversely, there are anxieties that Amorim might be the one to trigger his own departure. United’s co-owners, Ineos, are reportedly concerned that their manager could opt to step down before facing the axe, as there are suggestions Amorim might take this route in a bid to protect his managerial standing because he grows increasingly exasperated by the relentless scrutiny following defeats.
As reported by The i Newspaper, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos are ready to back their manager, but Amorim may soon need to consider resigning to ‘preserve his managerial career’. The United boss thinks that evaluations of United’s losses can be ‘knee-jerk’ reactions and is allegedly surprised by the intense scrutiny surrounding his managerial tenure.
