Ruben Amorim is under increasing pressure at Manchester United, but the club’s owners, Ineos, are worried that the Portuguese boss will walk as Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s stance clear
Manchester United’s co-owners, Ineos, are reportedly concerned that manager Ruben Amorim may opt to step down before being sacked in a bid to protect his managerial reputation.
Amorim has faced a tough tenure since taking the reins at Old Trafford in November 2024. Despite guiding United to the Europa League final last season, where they were beaten by Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao, they ended up a disappointing 15th in the league, well outside the European spots.
The current season hasn’t kicked off on a positive note either. Despite a win over Chelsea ahead of their match against Brentford, Amorim’s squad have suffered three Premier League losses and were shockingly knocked out of the Carabao Cup by League Two Grimsby Town.
Under Amorim’s stewardship, United have only managed to secure 19 victories from 49 games, casting serious doubts over his future.
However, according to the i Newspaper, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos are ready to back their manager.
It’s understood that the British billionaire is committed to his long-term vision for United and is hesitant to hastily make another dismissal. Nevertheless, there are concerns within the club that Ineos might not get a say in the matter.
According to two sources quoted by a national newspaper, it’s highly likely that Amorim will opt to leave United before Ratcliffe gets the chance to give him the boot.
They suggest that the Portuguese manager is growing increasingly exasperated with the constant criticism following defeats.
Amorim reportedly sees these as ‘knee-jerk’ reactions and is said to be surprised by the intense scrutiny his managerial stint is under. A source told the i that Amorim may soon have to consider stepping down to ‘preserve his managerial career’.
Despite the swirling speculation about Amorim’s future, it’s understood that no replacement has been lined up for the Portuguese head coach.
No managers are thought to have been approached by United to take over from Amorim, although Ratcliffe remains an admirer of Gareth Southgate following his successful spell with the England national team.
United return to action this Saturday when they host high-flying Sunderland at Old Trafford.