Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd future in fresh doubt as club chief releases statement

Ruben Amorim is under increasing pressure at Manchester United after a dismal start to the season, with the club already drawing up a list of potential replacements

Ruben Amorim’s tenure at Manchester United has been a dismal disappointment. The Portuguese manager took over from Erik ten Hag last season, but he’s yet to turn the tide at Old Trafford.

The new season hasn’t started well for United, as they languish in 14th place in the Premier League table after managing just one victory in their first four matches.

United have already suffered some embarrassing defeats this season, including an early exit from the Carabao Cup at the hands of Grimsby Town and a thrashing in the Manchester derby.

With the pressure mounting on Amorim, Mirror Football takes a look at the latest updates on his future.

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Players share fresh concerns

Manchester United’s top brass have made their position on Amorim clear. They still believe in him, although there are rumblings of growing concerns.

Mail Online reports that some players in the first-team squad are beginning to question his methods. It’s suggested that some feel that he’s too rigid in his philosophy, rather than focusing on getting results.

It’s been reported that if United were to sack Amorim before his first anniversary in charge, they’d be looking at a £12million compensation bill.

Potential successors lined up

While the club’s hierarchy are currently sticking with Amorim, a list of potential replacements is circulating. Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner and Fulham boss Marco Silva are among the favourites to take over with bookmakers, with former United midfielder (and interim head coach) Michael Carrick also leading the way.

Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino and ex-England boss Gareth Southgate are also in the running.

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Amorim answer

With United’s dismal start to the campaign, it’s inevitable that Amorim would face questions about his future. He has indicated that the ultimate decision rests elsewhere.

He said: “Guys, I understand that and I accept. It is not a record you should have in Manchester United. There are a lot of things – you have no idea what happened during these months – but I accept that. I am not going to change.

“When I want to change my philosophy, I will change. If not, you have to change the man. We will talk about that every game that we lose. I don’t believe in that, in the system, or whatever. I believe in my way and I am going to play my way until I want to change.

“My message is that I am going to give everything. I will do everything, always thinking about what is best for the club. That was always the same message.

“It is not my decision, the rest (on whether United change manager). Until I am here, I will do my best. I really want to win games. I am suffering more than them.”

Benfica dismiss speculation

Remarkably, Amorim has already been touted for a fresh role should he depart Old Trafford.

Portuguese giants Benfica are allegedly monitoring him, but the club’s presidential hopeful João Noronha Lopes has rejected claims he is plotting an approach. “Ruben Amorim? He’s a great coach, he has a contract with Manchester United,” Noronha Lopes told CMTV as reported by Record.

“He is a Benfica fan. Of course I like him. I don’t have a contract for Ruben to sign. Bruno Lage will be Benfica’s coach, naturally. I will work with him, as he is Benfica’s coach. I will not be a factor in Benfica’s instability.”

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