Ruben Amorim’s Future at Manchester United in Doubt as Club Considers New Coaching Options

 

Ruben Amorim arrived at Manchester United with the promise of ushering in a new era of modern, attacking football. Backed strongly by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the INEOS leadership group, his appointment was seen as a fresh start after years of turbulence under previous managers. However, less than a year into his reign, Amorim is already facing mounting pressure. United’s performances in the Premier League have been inconsistent, with damaging defeats against mid-table teams and uninspiring displays in big games. Frustrated supporters have voiced concerns, while pundits and former players have openly questioned whether the Portuguese coach is capable of handling the demands of Old Trafford.

Wayne Rooney, Manchester United’s all-time leading scorer, recently admitted he has no faith in Amorim’s ability to revive the club’s fortunes. Jamie Carragher went even further, labelling Amorim’s tenure so far “a disaster” and suggesting his time should end sooner rather than later. Despite these criticisms, Amorim insists he is far from quitting. He has repeatedly stressed that the project will take time and that he still has the backing of key decision-makers at the club. But as results continue to falter, pressure from the outside grows louder with each passing week.

Behind the scenes, the Manchester United board is reportedly split on what to do next. On one hand, Amorim was appointed as part of a long-term vision, and sacking him prematurely could undermine the stability Ratcliffe’s INEOS consortium has been trying to build since acquiring a stake in the club. On the other hand, United’s poor league form and lack of identity on the pitch have created doubts about whether the project can succeed under his leadership. Some senior figures are said to be concerned that Amorim has struggled to adapt his tactical approach to the physical demands of English football. The Guardian recently reported that the club may be reluctant to make another managerial change so soon. Yet, with mounting criticism in the media and rising frustration among fans, the pressure to act could soon become unavoidable.

United’s season has been plagued by inconsistency. The team has failed to string together convincing performances, and several losses against lower-ranked sides have left supporters disillusioned. Amorim himself has admitted frustration, pointing to a lack of character in the squad following their recent defeats. Critics argue that his tactical setup, heavily reliant on pressing and rapid transitions, has left United vulnerable defensively and predictable in attack. As the club sits outside the Champions League qualification places, patience is wearing thin. Old Trafford is no stranger to high expectations, and failure to meet them often results in swift consequences for managers.

With Amorim’s position under increasing scrutiny, speculation has naturally turned to who could replace him if the club decides to move on. A number of high-profile and intriguing names have already been linked. Former United midfielder Michael Carrick has been suggested as a possible successor. Currently working as a technical observer for UEFA, Carrick also gained experience managing Middlesbrough, where his tactical intelligence and calm leadership impressed many observers. His deep ties to Old Trafford make him an appealing option, though some question whether he is ready for a role of such magnitude.

Oliver Glasner, currently managing Crystal Palace, has emerged as one of the more serious candidates. The Austrian has built a reputation for tactical flexibility and disciplined organisation. However, pundit Paul Merson recently warned that Glasner’s favoured system might not suit United’s current squad. Despite this, he remains one of the more realistic candidates if a change is made. Gareth Southgate, the England manager, has also been mentioned. Known for his man-management skills and calm demeanour, Southgate has admirers within United’s hierarchy. But according to reports, he harbours reservations about the job, particularly due to the short-term expectations that come with managing United. Sources suggest he would only consider the role if given time to oversee a long-term rebuild.

Other names have been floated too. Andoni Iraola, the Bournemouth manager, has impressed with his energetic, attacking style in the Premier League. While not a frontrunner, his name reflects United’s interest in coaches with modern tactical ideas. Perhaps the most surprising link is Cesc Fàbregas, the former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder who is still in the very early stages of his managerial career. He represents a gamble, but one that could appeal to those looking for a bold, innovative appointment.

Yet, even as rumours about replacements swirl, the reality is that Manchester United’s struggles are not solely down to the manager. Years of mismanagement, inconsistent recruitment, and a fractured footballing structure have all contributed to the club’s decline since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013. Sacking Amorim this early could add to the instability. Since Ferguson’s departure, United have burned through managers at an alarming rate: David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, José Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Ralf Rangnick in an interim role, Erik ten Hag, and now Amorim. Constant upheaval has made it difficult for the team to develop a clear identity.

Ratcliffe and INEOS are said to be determined to break this cycle by sticking to long-term planning. Yet football is a results business, and United’s inability to compete with rivals like Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal may force their hand sooner than expected. The coming weeks will be crucial for Amorim. United face a challenging run of fixtures, including key Premier League clashes and European commitments. A string of positive results could ease pressure and buy the manager more time to implement his ideas. But further setbacks could prove fatal. With high-profile candidates waiting in the wings and a restless fanbase demanding change, the margin for error is now razor thin.

Ruben Amorim’s tenure at Manchester United is at a crossroads. Once heralded as the bright young coach to lead the club into a new era, he now finds himself fighting for survival. Backed by some inside the club but doubted by many outside it, his future may depend on what happens in the next month. For United, the stakes could not be higher. Stick with Amorim and risk another disappointing season, or make yet another managerial change and hope the next appointment finally delivers the consistency Old Trafford craves. Either way, the saga is a reminder that Manchester United’s search for stability and success in the post-Ferguson era is far from over.