It was judgement day for Ruben Amorim.
Ahead of Saturday, reports had emerged that he could become the latest in a long line to see their managerial career’s derailed at Manchester United. The pressure was mounting, and the axe loomed.
Crisis had already taken hold at the Theatre of Dreams – which, at times, has resembled a stage for the Portuguese boss’ worst nightmares. Yet for once, a crack of light began to pierce through the Manchester rain.
United raced into a two-goal lead and never looked like relinquishing it as they had their foot on the throat of the newly-promoted high flyers.
And as the game ticked into the final minutes the United fans started to sign the name of their manager. From anxiety came applause, from frustration came faith.
(Image: Gareth Copley)
It was a rare moment of unity for a club that has looked to be held together by sticky tape at times.
“He’ll bring the glory days again, We’ll back him from the Stretford End, He’ll turn the Reds around…Ruben Amorim,” the Stretford End sang as Amorim presided over the win.
It’s far from perfect at Old Trafford – it’s only his 10th Premier League win after 11 months in charge. Still, United showed signs of progress that were absent in the Brentford defeat.
(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United FC)
Benjamin Sesko was excellent, and if he can find that form on a consistent basis the Red Devils might have found the man to aid their striking woes.
“Lammens and Sesko both look like class signing fairs INEOS,” one fan posted on social media. As a second said: “Sesko been putting himself about so much, good signs!”
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Saturday afternoon won’t erase the mistakes of previous weeks or even the cloud of his future at Old Trafford.
However, it will offer hope that the the pieces are starting to click, the confidence can be rebuilt, and a fragile squad can find rhythm under his guidance.