Key figures at Manchester United have held talks with several first-team players to assess their feelings towards Ruben Amorim and the club’s current situation. And the overwhelming sentiment was that they continue to support him. Amorim claimed a vital victory at the weekend, defeating Sunderland at Old Trafford, yet the Portuguese manager has still failed to achieve consecutive wins during his 50 Premier League matches in charge.
That highlights just how challenging his stint has been. The manager’s long-term future in Manchester remains a subject of speculation, particularly given his unwavering commitment to his tactical approach, which has yet to deliver the desired improvement in results. ESPN reports that CEO Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox have engaged with squad members – including captain Bruno Fernandes along with the leadership contingent – and they believe backing still remains for Amorim.
The discussions were informal in nature and the players were not intentionally ‘consulted’ prior to any verdict on Amorim, who holds a contract with the club through 2027 and is only just approaching his first anniversary in the role.
Mason Mount has declared that the changing room is “100 per cent behind the gaffer” despite the early difficulties.
Centre-back Matthijs de Ligt also openly endorsed Amorim following the 3-1 loss at Brentford fewer than two weeks ago. Any decision to dismiss Amorim would require the approval of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Joel Glazer.
Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox would also be consulted for their views, having been directly involved in the choices made by the club.
They have been proactive in attempting to gauge the atmosphere within the organisation. Both executives are stationed at the Carrington training facility, which has provided them with deeper understanding.
This has also enabled them to maintain regular dialogue with Amorim and the squad, thanks to the shared spaces in the modern training complex.
The United manager has remained resolute when pressed about his future – and has insisted that his tactical approach is not behind their difficulties.
He said: “You fear to lose your job when you have to pay the bills and I don’t have that feeling. I just want to continue this. But when we don’t win games, that is the suffering that I have. It is not the fear of losing the job. I don’t care.”
Amorim also added: “I think we are thinking about the system but I think we need to look at all of the parts of the game. This team play in the different systems for many years, and you were talking about the lack of identity, no idea, whatever.”