Reports from Portugal suggest surprise Manchester United Head Coach decision | OneFootball

Ratcliffe Stands Firm as Amorim Faces Mounting Pressure at Man Utd

Amorim weighed down by scrutiny

Ruben Amorim’s early tenure at Man Utd has become increasingly turbulent, with mounting speculation over his future at Old Trafford. Insiders have suggested the Portuguese coach is still adjusting to the unrelenting glare that accompanies the role, where each defeat is dissected and amplified to extreme proportions.

Last weekend’s 3-1 loss away to Brentford highlighted the scale of the challenge. The result left Amorim with one of the lowest points returns of any Premier League manager after 33 matches in charge, placing him in unwanted company. With Sunderland visiting Old Trafford next, the pressure is building, particularly as a section of the support grows louder in its demand for change.

Ratcliffe backing long-term vision

Despite unrest, Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reported to be unwavering in his commitment to the project. Sources close to Ineos have described him as “desperate” to see Amorim complete a full season, insisting the club’s footballing strategy is centred on stability, continuity and patience.

Ratcliffe and his team are determined to avoid the mistakes of recent years, when swift decisions undermined progress. Recruitment, infrastructure and coaching structures are all being viewed through a long-term lens, with Amorim’s position still considered integral to that vision.

Photo IMAGO

Rumours of resignation surface

While Old Trafford remains committed to their manager, there is growing concern from those close to Amorim that he may take matters into his own hands. Senior figures have confided that the 39-year-old is increasingly mindful of how a struggling spell in Manchester could damage his reputation across Europe.

Suggestions that he could walk away rather than risk further decline are being taken seriously. For Amorim, the challenge is not only tactical but psychological — how to navigate the scrutiny while maintaining belief in his methods.

For now, the club insists no alternative candidates are being lined up. This contrasts with the final months of Erik ten Hag’s tenure, when replacements were discreetly sounded out. While Gareth Southgate’s name continues to circle in speculation, United sources insist no contact has been made.

Carrick and contingency planning

If results fail to improve and Amorim decides to step away, an interim solution remains a possible route. Michael Carrick, who departed Middlesbrough at the end of last season, is one name under consideration for a caretaker role should United face a managerial void mid-campaign.

Away from the dugout, Amorim has overseen the reintegration of Tyrell Malacia into first-team training. The Dutch defender, who came close to leaving the club in the summer, was initially placed with the Under-21s but has now rejoined senior sessions. United maintain this was always the plan and not a reaction to recent defeats.

United at a crossroads

The coming weeks are set to define Amorim’s future at Man Utd. Ratcliffe’s commitment to the bigger picture remains clear, but results will inevitably dictate the atmosphere around Old Trafford. A win against Sunderland could provide much-needed breathing space, yet another setback might intensify calls for change and test both Ratcliffe’s patience and Amorim’s resolve.