Ruben Amorim's tenure at Manchester United has been far from smooth, and while the threat of being sacked looms, his biggest concern reportedly lies elsewhere. It's not the fear of unemployment that haunts him, but something more intrinsic to his passion for the game: the agony of defeat.
Amorim's Manchester United currently sits in 14th place, having lost three games this season, losing two and drawing one of their six fixtures. Gary Neville has voiced huge concerns. The team's struggles to secure back-to-back league wins since May 2024 highlights the depth of the issues. Adding to the woes, Amorim's substitutions have seemingly backfired, with Premier League substitutes making more errors leading to goals than scoring them.
Despite the mounting pressure and disappointing results, Amorim insists his primary concern isn't job security. He differentiates his situation from those who fear losing their job due to financial constraints, stating that his motivation is purely driven by the desire to win. He claims the feeling of losing at Manchester United is the same as when he was in charge of Casa Pia in a lower division. This suggests a deep-seated competitive spirit that transcends the prestige and financial rewards of managing a top club.
However, Amorim is not oblivious to the precariousness of his position. He acknowledges the need for results to continue the project at Old Trafford. He recognizes the high expectations and the inherent difficulty in balancing the demands of a club with significant sponsorship deals and multiple owners.
The statistics paint a concerning picture. After 33 games in charge, Amorim's win percentage stands at 27.27%, a figure comparable to Chris Wilder's record at Sheffield United. This places him in a precarious position, with other managers like Graham Potter, Steve Bruce and Gary O'Neil having marginally better win rates before their departure from their respective clubs.
Adding to the external pressure, former players and pundits have criticized Amorim's approach. Alan Shearer has even suggested that a defeat against Sunderland could lead to his dismissal. However, Amorim has defended his knowledge of the team, implying he knows more than the critics.
Should Amorim be relieved of his duties, reports suggest that Manchester United might turn to an internal option, with Darren Fletcher, the Under-18s coach, potentially stepping in as caretaker manager. The club have reportedly been impressed with Fletcher's work ethic and believe he has the potential to become a top manager. It's also claimed that Man United has not lined up candidates to replace Amorim as they did when Erik ten Hag was under scrutiny. Sacking Amorim would reportedly cost the club £12 million in compensation.
Ultimately, while the possibility of being sacked is an undeniable pressure, Ruben Amorim's biggest fear at Manchester United appears to be the pain of failing to deliver victories. This intrinsic motivation, while admirable, needs to translate into tangible results if he is to navigate the challenges and secure his long-term future at the club.
