Ruben Amorim’s brief tenure at Manchester United has been tumultuous, with the Red Devils languishing in 14th place on the Premier League table. Having lost half of his first ten matches in charge, Amorim is acutely aware of the precarious nature of his position.
Following the dismissal of sporting director Dan Ashworth after just 159 days, Amorim admits that he, too, could face the axe if results don’t improve quickly.
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The Harsh Realities of Managing Manchester United
Amorim, who was pried away from Sporting Lisbon for £9.2 million, conceded that managing United comes with immense pressure. “I know the business that I’m in,” Amorim remarked. “The manager of Manchester United can never, no matter what, be comfortable. I know that if we don’t win, regardless, if they pay the buyout or not, I know that every manager is in danger. I like that because that is the job, so I understand the question.”
Despite acknowledging the limited time he has had to implement his strategies, Amorim remains pragmatic about the challenges. “You can argue that I have been here one month and I’ve had four training (sessions), but we are not winning. That is the reality and I’m quite comfortable with that,” he added.
Mid-Season Appointment and Growing Pains
Initially hesitant to take the job mid-season, Amorim was pushed by a “now or never” ultimatum from United. The club even paid an additional £900,000 on top of his £8.3 million release clause to secure his services. However, the Portuguese coach has found it challenging to instill his philosophy amid the relentless Premier League schedule.
“There’s no point talking about that or thinking about that. I’m here and have to focus on the job,” Amorim explained. “You expect to win more games, to have players with more confidence to sell the idea and to work and improve things. At this moment it’s really hard. We have to survive to have time and then to improve the team.”
Squad Challenges and Leadership Decisions
United’s task doesn’t get any easier, with an in-form Newcastle side visiting Old Trafford next. The team will be without captain Bruno Fernandes, who was sent off during the Boxing Day defeat to Wolves, and Manuel Ugarte, who is suspended after accumulating five yellow cards.
Amorim has hinted at the possibility of reinstating Harry Maguire as captain for the Newcastle clash. Despite being stripped of the armband under Erik ten Hag, Maguire has shown professionalism. “He works really well. He’s focused on the job, not what people say. He has no (doesn’t make) excuses, even if he had some tough moments,” said Amorim. “I think in that department he is an example, so he is there to play to help the team. He’s trying to do that.”
Amorim’s stint so far underscores the difficulties of taking over a struggling team mid-season. As the Red Devils brace for a pivotal clash against Newcastle, the pressure on Amorim intensifies. The 39-year-old’s candid admission of his vulnerability reflects his awareness of the unforgiving demands of managing Manchester United.
For Amorim, survival in the short term may provide the breathing space needed to rebuild the team and implement his long-term vision. However, in the high-stakes environment of Old Trafford, patience is a luxury few can afford.
FAQs
Why is Ruben Amorim under pressure at Manchester United?
Amorim has lost five out of his first ten matches, leaving Manchester United in 14th place, and faces mounting scrutiny over the team’s poor form.
How did Manchester United secure Ruben Amorim as head coach?
United paid £9.2 million to Sporting Lisbon, including £900,000 above his £8.3 million buyout clause, to appoint Amorim mid-season.
What challenges has Ruben Amorim faced since joining Manchester United?
Amorim has struggled to instill his ideas due to limited training sessions, the team’s low confidence, and mounting injuries and suspensions.
Who could captain Manchester United against Newcastle?
With Bruno Fernandes suspended, Ruben Amorim has hinted that Harry Maguire, previously stripped of the captaincy, could wear the armband.
What did Ruben Amorim say about job security at Manchester United?
Amorim acknowledged, “The manager of Manchester United can never, no matter what, be comfortable,” emphasizing the job’s high-pressure nature.
