Manchester United’s early-season woes have triggered serious doubts over manager Ruben Amorim’s future at Old Trafford. Following a string of underwhelming performances — including a humiliating cup exit — reports suggest the club’s board is preparing to make a managerial change, but only after securing a dependable successor.
Disastrous Start Fuels Pressure on Amorim
Hopes were high heading into the 2025/26 campaign after United heavily invested over the summer. The club spent nearly £200 million to bolster its attacking options, signing the likes of Benjamin Šeško, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo. But two games into the Premier League season, United have managed just a single point — drawing with Fulham and losing to Arsenal — leaving fans and board members deeply concerned.
Worse yet, a humiliating League Cup loss to League Two side Grimsby Town — who knocked United out on penalties after a 2-2 draw — has been widely seen as the breaking point for Amorim’s tenure.
Europa League Final Loss Caps Off Disappointing 2024/25 Season
Last season offered little to celebrate for United fans. The Red Devils stumbled to a 15th-place Premier League finish, one of their worst in the modern era. Their European campaign, which ended in heartbreak with a Europa League final loss to Tottenham Hotspur, only added to the growing disillusionment around Amorim’s leadership.
The club’s long-standing managerial instability has continued post-Sir Alex Ferguson, and Amorim now appears the latest in a line of coaches unable to restore United’s former glory.
United Board Seeking Successor Before Pulling Trigger
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Amorim’s dismissal is now seen as “virtually certain.” However, the report claims the board is determined to secure a reliable replacement before making the final call. Former Real Madrid and Spain boss Julen Lopetegui, along with Champions League-winning coach Zinedine Zidane, have emerged as leading candidates, though no formal discussions have reportedly taken place.
The upcoming Premier League clash against Burnley has reportedly been marked as a make-or-break fixture. A failure to secure three points could see Amorim ousted before the September international break.
Amorim Reacts to Grimsby Defeat: “Something Has to Change”
Speaking after the shock defeat to Grimsby, Amorim didn’t shy away from expressing his dismay.
“I am shocked,” he told ITV. “We’re in a moment where we’ve made a lot of changes. We try to fight through different things, but when these moments come, we have to show up.”
His candid assessment seemed to acknowledge the growing pressure. “If we don’t show up, you can feel that something has to change — and you’re not going to change 22 players again,” he added, in what many see as an ominous sign for his tenure.
