Ruben Amorim’s time at Manchester United is hanging by a thread. Despite mounting pressure, a faltering tactical setup, and a squad showing signs of disengagement, the Portuguese coach is refusing to alter his methods. With just three games left to salvage his job, Amorim’s rigid stance may be the final nail in his Old Trafford coffin.
Amorim’s Future on the Line After Rocky Start
The 2025/26 season was meant to mark a turning point for Manchester United under Amorim’s leadership, especially after a £230 million summer investment. However, early optimism has given way to disappointment. United sit 14th in the Premier League, and insiders suggest Amorim has just three fixtures—including a crucial clash with Chelsea—to avoid the sack.
His position is precarious, with only one Premier League manager more likely to lose his job according to betting odds. Another heavy defeat, especially against a top-six side like Chelsea, could accelerate his exit as Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS look to avoid a repeat of last season’s early chaos under Erik ten Hag.
Tactical Stubbornness Drawing Criticism
One of the most consistent critiques of Amorim has been his unwavering loyalty to the 3-4-3 formation—a system that has yielded little progress in both attack and defence. Despite having two transfer windows to shape the team in his vision, United continue to look disjointed and lacking identity.
There’s growing frustration among fans and pundits alike, with many calling for a shift to a more balanced 4-3-2-1 setup to better utilize the talent at his disposal. But Amorim remains defiant.
Amorim: “This Is My Responsibility. I Will Not Change.”
Speaking to the media ahead of Saturday’s showdown at Stamford Bridge, Amorim made it abundantly clear that he won’t back down from his principles—even if his job depends on it.
“No, no, no. Not even the Pope will change… This is my job. This is my responsibility. This is my life. So, I will not change that,” Amorim said, doubling down when questioned about potential tactical shifts.
He went on to explain that a public reversal could damage his authority within the squad: “If I’m a player and I have a coach that, with a lot of pressure… says ‘I’m going to change,’ they will look at me in a different way.”
His rationale? Leadership through conviction—believing that evolving gradually under his existing philosophy is better than panicking under scrutiny.
INEOS Faces Familiar Headache as Players Reportedly Check Out
While Amorim believes his consistency will win respect, reports suggest the United dressing room may already be tuning him out. Sources indicate that parts of the squad have grown disillusioned, leading many to wonder whether the coach’s gamble to stick with his system is more about pride than pragmatism.
As Premier League legend Alan Shearer noted, Amorim appears ready to “die on his sword”—a phrase that now feels less metaphorical and more like a countdown to his dismissal. In modern football, results often outweigh ideology, and Amorim’s insistence on maintaining a broken system could cost him dearly.
Conclusion: Evolution May Come Too Late
Ruben Amorim came to Manchester United with a clear identity, a defined tactical philosophy, and the backing of a big budget. But without flexibility and tangible improvement, even the most confident of managers can be left behind. Unless United pull off a drastic turnaround over the next three matches, Amorim’s refusal to adapt could mark the end of his brief and turbulent reign at Old Trafford.
