Amorim Faces Pressure as Manchester United Struggles Continue

Ruben Amorim is acutely aware that his position as manager of Manchester United could be in jeopardy if results do not improve. Currently sitting in 14th place in the Premier League after six matches, United will face Sunderland at Old Trafford on October 7, 2023. Following a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Brentford last weekend, the pressure is mounting for Amorim to deliver a crucial victory.

Sources close to the club have indicated that while the management remains supportive, they have not begun the search for a successor. There is a general understanding within the club that restoring Manchester United to its former glory will require time. However, Amorim acknowledges that patience has its limits, especially in a high-stakes environment.

“Nobody here is naive – we understand that we need results to continue the project,” he said. He emphasized the difficulties inherent in managing such a prominent club, which has extensive sponsorships and dual ownership. Amorim noted, “The balance is really hard. I just need one more game. Because football is like that. We need one more game. We win, we get some hope and in the next game, we’ll see – that is always the same thing.”

Despite the mounting criticism, Amorim stated that he does not fear losing his job. “The worst thing in this job is not to win games,” he explained. “Of course, it’s a dream to be here and I want to continue, but what makes me suffer is to lose games, not to lose my job. That hurt of not winning games or failing, that is the thing that hurts me the most.” His commitment to the team remains strong, even in the face of adversity.

Much of the scrutiny surrounding Amorim has focused on his adherence to a 3-4-3 formation, which has drawn mixed results. He believes that the system itself is not the issue and urged his players to trust his strategies. “It’s not the system. It’s the small details, the way we play the game,” he asserted. “(The players) are listening to you (the media) and they are putting that inside because we are not winning games.”

Amorim offered a hypothetical scenario to illustrate how quickly perceptions can change in football: “Imagine that we won the first game against Arsenal and then you don’t miss the penalty and you win against Fulham even without playing really well. Imagine that this happened.” He firmly believes that winning even a single game can restore confidence and shift the narrative around the club.

Addressing personal criticisms and speculation regarding his family’s well-being in England, Amorim dismissed such claims. “A lot of the things – like my wife is talking to the media – that is such nonsense,” he said. “Nobody in my family talks about that; we love to live in England.” He acknowledged that while his family is content, he personally struggles with the pressure of competition and the pain of losing.

In a somber note, a minute’s silence will be observed before the match against Sunderland in memory of the victims of the recent terror attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall. Players will wear black armbands as a tribute, underscoring the importance of community solidarity during challenging times.

As Manchester United prepares for this crucial match, all eyes will be on Amorim to see if he can guide his team back to winning ways and alleviate the pressure surrounding his tenure.