Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has come under increasing scrutiny after his side’s latest humiliation—a 3-1 defeat to Brentford that left them languishing in 14th place in the Premier League. Despite the mounting pressure, Amorim remains determined to lift spirits at Old Trafford, holding a “family gathering” just 24 hours after the loss in an attempt to bring the squad together.
A Nightmare Start to the Season for United
Amorim’s tenure at Manchester United has been anything but smooth. Since replacing Erik ten Hag, the Portuguese manager has failed to oversee back-to-back wins, with the club’s form sliding further into crisis. After six games, United have secured only two victories—against Chelsea (10-man) and newly-promoted Burnley. The latest defeat has left them teetering in mid-table, and the situation only worsens with every passing match.
Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher has already labeled Amorim’s spell at Old Trafford a “disaster,” stating:
I think he’s still in a job because the powers-that-be have made so many mistakes that they almost don’t want to admit right now they have made another. This has been a disaster for Amorim and United.
Carragher added that almost any other Premier League manager could have gotten United back into the European places, leaving many fans wondering how much longer Amorim’s tenure will last.
The Family Gathering: A Message of Unity?
Despite the criticism, Manchester United are insistent that Amorim retains the backing of the board. In a bid to keep morale high, the club went ahead with a scheduled “family gathering” at their training complex, a regular event where players and their families bond. United’s leadership team has insisted that the gathering was planned long before the Brentford clash and not an emergency morale boost.
According to The Daily Mail, United are confident Amorim can turn things around, and they remain committed to the Portuguese coach despite their lackluster results. The gathering allowed players to “blow off steam” and reset ahead of what could be a crucial encounter against Sunderland this weekend—the club’s final match before the international break.
A Manager on Borrowed Time?
While United continue to back Amorim publicly, the pressure is building. Despite the faith shown by the club’s hierarchy, sources suggest the board is already preparing for the possibility of a managerial change if results don’t improve. The hefty compensation fee to release Amorim—approximately £12 million if terminated before November—has raised concerns, but Manchester United’s lack of a consistent plan under Amorim may outweigh the financial impact.
One possible replacement being floated is Gareth Southgate, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe reportedly having close ties with the former England manager. Southgate, who is unattached since his departure from England, could step in without the complexity of compensation. However, there are doubts whether the broader board would support such a move.
Additionally, former Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez has been linked with the job. Xavi, who led Barcelona to La Liga success in 2022-23, is said to be willing to take the United job “immediately” if approached. Despite his lack of Premier League experience, Xavi’s track record in Spain at the highest level could make him an attractive candidate.
Pressure Mounting for Amorim
The pressure on Amorim is expected to mount even further after the international break, with a tough run of fixtures awaiting United. After Sunderland, the Red Devils face Liverpool at Anfield and Brighton at Old Trafford—two matches that could prove pivotal in determining the future of the Portuguese manager.
With the club struggling to find form and unity, it remains to be seen whether Amorim can turn the tide before United are forced into making another managerial change.
