Man United have Ruled Out one Ruben Amorim Replacement Already – Report | OneFootball

Man Utd Face Crucial Decision on Ruben Amorim Future Amid Alarming Start

Manchester United’s turbulent start to the season has thrown Ruben Amorim’s tenure under intense scrutiny, with the club languishing in 14th place in the Premier League after just a handful of games. According to TeamTalk, the Red Devils’ hierarchy is wrestling with a high-stakes dilemma: whether to stick by their under-pressure manager or pull the trigger before their long-term rebuild is derailed.

The situation has been described as “alarming”, with concerns not only about results on the pitch but also about the club’s strategic direction. INEOS and co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe are said to be determined not to abandon their vision for success by 2028, yet the short-term crisis has sparked calls for decisive action.

Pressure Mounts on Amorim as Form Falters

United’s recent 3-1 defeat to Brentford deepened the sense of unease. Amorim’s commitment to a rigid 3-4-3 formation has drawn criticism, particularly as results continue to slide. As TeamTalk reported, one insider bluntly stated that the manager “looks knackered” and “knows it’s not working”.

The club’s reluctance to make a swift change is partly financial. Sacking Amorim would reportedly cost around £12m, a significant outlay at a time when United are also planning to invest in the next two transfer windows. Yet the footballing argument is just as pressing: maintaining the rebuild vision while seeking immediate improvement is proving difficult to balance.

Succession Planning Underway Behind the Scenes

Despite their reluctance to appear reactive, United have already begun exploring possible replacements. TeamTalk understands that Gareth Southgate, Andoni Iraola and Oliver Glasner are among the names being considered. Southgate’s availability as a free agent makes him an attractive short-term solution, though doubts remain about whether the England boss fits the club’s long-term ambitions.

Michael Carrick has also been mentioned as a potential interim figure, which would appeal to fans sentimentally given his history at Old Trafford. However, Dean Jones told TeamTalk that INEOS are opposed to “bringing in a manager short-term” as it “would fly in the face of what their rebuild is supposed to be built on.”

Photo by IMAGO

Critical Clash with Sunderland Looms

The upcoming fixture against Sunderland at Old Trafford could prove pivotal. With an international break to follow, United’s board may see this as the ideal window to act if they decide that Amorim’s time is up. Pundits such as Jamie Carragher have already voiced strong opinions, insisting the club should end the Amorim experiment sooner rather than later.

Carragher told Sky Sports: “The only positive for Manchester United is they haven’t gone all in on a system. They’ve gone all in on in terms of giving money to spend, but they haven’t brought lots of centre-backs; they haven’t brought lots of wing-backs… Any other manager can go in there and get them back into the top four… The quicker they end his time in charge, the better. It’s a disaster.”

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

This situation feels eerily familiar. We have been here too many times before, with managers hired on the promise of long-term stability only to watch the project unravel within months. Amorim was meant to bring fresh ideas and modern tactics, but his insistence on a 3-4-3 system is now seen as stubborn rather than visionary.

Fans are concerned that if the board waits too long, the season could slip beyond rescue. The reality is stark: we are already outside the top half of the table, confidence in the squad looks fractured and the next two fixtures could define our campaign. Spending more money in January will not solve the deeper issue of tactical inflexibility and lack of adaptability.

There is also fear that the club’s reluctance to act stems more from financial considerations than footballing priorities. A £12m compensation package is undoubtedly steep, yet what price can you put on salvaging a season that still has Champions League qualification within reach?

Southgate as a candidate does not inspire everyone either. His pragmatic style could stabilise results but may not excite a fan base desperate for attacking football. On the other hand, Carrick’s return as interim manager feels romantic but perhaps risky for a side that needs experienced hands at the helm during a crisis.

Ultimately, the Sunderland game looks like a potential tipping point. Supporters will be looking for a response on the pitch, but also clarity from INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe about whether this project is truly about progress or merely a repeat of old mistakes.