Pressure is mounting at Old Trafford as Ruben Amorim’s early tenure at Manchester United teeters on shaky ground. Despite a major summer overhaul and vocal confidence from the board, the club’s dismal start to the Premier League season has cast doubt over Amorim’s future — with sources indicating his job may depend on securing European qualification. Meanwhile, confusion grows within the squad over the continued exclusion of midfield sensation Kobbie Mainoo.
Amorim’s Job on the Line — But There’s a Catch
Despite Manchester United’s rocky start to the 2025/26 season — collecting just four points from their opening four games — the board remains cautiously optimistic. According to GiveMeSport, the hierarchy, led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, still believes the current squad is capable of securing a Champions League spot. Amorim’s position is reportedly safe for now, but that security is conditional.
Should the team appear likely to miss out on European competition for a second straight year, the conversation around replacing Amorim will intensify. United ended last season in a dismal 15th place, and although results haven’t improved drastically, insiders say there’s enough “potential” to avoid making any hasty decisions at this stage.
Big Spending, Same Struggles
Manchester United splashed nearly £200 million in the summer transfer window, bringing in Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko, and Bryan Mbeumo to address their attacking deficiencies. However, a glaring need in midfield remains unaddressed — a decision that many fans and pundits have criticized.
A failed move for Brighton’s Carlos Baleba highlighted the club’s desire to strengthen in defensive midfield, but Brighton’s £115 million valuation made a deal unfeasible. That void was painfully evident in United’s recent 3-0 defeat to rivals Manchester City, where they were outmuscled and outclassed in the center of the park.
Amorim Stands Firm on Tactical Philosophy
Despite mounting criticism, Amorim remains unshaken in his belief that his footballing philosophy will eventually deliver results. Speaking after the loss to City, the Portuguese coach made it clear that he won’t be adapting his system to suit outside pressure.
“I won’t change my philosophy. If they [the board] want it changed, you change the man,” Amorim stated. “We are doing better — the results just don’t show that.”
While he admitted to suffering more than the fans, Amorim maintained that he’s fully committed to turning the situation around — but hinted that off-field factors have played a role in the team’s sluggish form.
Mainoo’s Absence Leaves Dressing Room Confused
One of the most puzzling storylines at Old Trafford revolves around the continued benching of Kobbie Mainoo. The 21-year-old, who scored the winner in the 2024 FA Cup final and featured in England’s European Championship final, has found himself sidelined under Amorim.
According to talkSPORT, even Mainoo’s teammates are “perplexed” by the manager’s lack of trust in the talented midfielder. Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is reportedly monitoring the situation closely and may consider a move if Mainoo’s lack of playing time continues.
Ruben Amorim’s fate at Manchester United appears to hinge on one crucial benchmark: European qualification. While the board is preaching patience, poor results and questionable squad decisions — particularly surrounding Kobbie Mainoo — are fueling uncertainty both on and off the pitch. The coming weeks could prove pivotal for the Portuguese coach as the Red Devils attempt to steady a sinking ship.
