The tenure of Ruben Amorim as Manchester United head coach appears to be teetering on the brink, with speculation reaching fever pitch following a truly “disastrous” 2024-2025 season. Despite repeated assurances from Amorim himself that he remains committed to the project, the club’s abysmal 15th-place finish in the Premier League and a heartbreaking Europa League final loss to Tottenham Hotspur have fueled widespread calls for a change in leadership.
Amorim, who took the reins at Old Trafford in November, inherited a team languishing in 13th place, but his impact has been minimal in terms of league performance. The Red Devils have endured their worst Premier League campaign in the modern era, recording their lowest points total and most losses in a single season.1 The stark reality of no European football next season – for only the second time since English clubs returned to UEFA competitions in 1990 – only adds to the pressure on the Portuguese tactician.
Sources close to the club indicate that while Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS have publicly backed Amorim, there are growing internal discussions about the club’s direction. The recent post-season tour, marred by an embarrassing defeat to a South-East Asia select XI, reportedly saw Amorim accuse his players of being “chokers,” a comment that has not gone down well within the dressing room.2 This public criticism, coupled with his blunt assessments of the team’s performances throughout the season, has created a tense atmosphere.
While Amorim has attempted to strike a positive note, addressing fans after the final home game with an apology for the season and a promise that “the good days are coming,” the sentiment among the fanbase remains divided.3 Many supporters, weary of years of underperformance, are questioning whether Amorim possesses the magic touch to turn the tide. His aggressive pre-season plans, reportedly demanding “sky-high” fitness levels and quizzing players on their holiday plans, signal a manager desperate to instil a new culture, but time will tell if it’s enough.
The upcoming summer transfer window is seen as a critical juncture. Amorim has been handed a significant transfer kitty, but the lack of European football will undoubtedly make attracting top talent more challenging.4 Furthermore, reports suggest a potential clash with the hierarchy over the possible sale of talismanic captain Bruno Fernandes, with Amorim keen to retain him and explore other avenues for raising funds. The manager has already told Alejandro Garnacho he can leave, a move that hints at a significant squad overhaul.5
Ultimately, Amorim’s future at Manchester United hinges on a dramatic improvement in the new season. While he has asserted he would leave “without any conversation about compensation” if the board and fans no longer wanted him, the question is now whether the club’s leadership will give him the time and resources to implement his vision, or if the mounting pressure from a disgruntled fanbase and a historically poor season will force an earlier-than-expected departure.
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