Ruben Amorim's Job Fate Sealed as Crucial Sunderland Showdown Looms
A loss for Manchester United this weekend against Sunderland is not expected to result in Ruben Amorim losing his position as head coach, according to recent reports.
With only seven points collected from their first six matches, United are experiencing their poorest Premier League campaign start and continue to seek consecutive wins in the league as Amorim's tenure enters its 11th month.
Despite increasing pressure for Amorim's dismissal, United are said to be maintaining confidence in the Portuguese manager, though tensions will escalate if the Red Devils, who suffered a comprehensive 3–1 defeat to Brentford last weekend, lose to a promoted Sunderland team that has risen to fifth place in the table.
Speaking on The Athletic's Talk of the Devils podcast, journalist Laurie Whitwell revealed the current perspective of United's leadership, outlining the backing that Amorim continues to enjoy from Sir Jim Ratcliffe specifically.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe to Have Final Say on Amorim Future
"I believe it's a crucial fixture, I certainly feel that Ruben Amorim requires a favorable outcome. They face Sunderland, don't they, who have performed quite well this season," he stated. "...from conversations with sources that even if they were defeated by Sunderland, I don't believe it would spell the finish for Ruben Amorim.
"I believe Sir Jim Ratcliffe is the final authority on this matter really. He would consider advice from Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox, and the Glazers certainly have input on this as well, Joel Glazer in particular I'd expect would have a view, but Ratcliffe is the one to determine really and I'm informed [Ratcliffe] wishes to give Amorim the complete season.
"It's a fresh squad, to some extent, and him attempting to implement his philosophy even further, so we can discuss whether that's the correct decision or not but that's the present communication from the highest level with Sir Jim Ratcliffe."
Much of the criticism aimed at Amorim has centered on his controversial 3-4-2-1 system. He has remained unwavering in his methodology, cautioning club executives they would need to dismiss him if they desire to see something different, but acknowledged for the first time this week that he might need to show more adaptability.
De Ligt: Amorim Not to Blame for Man Utd Struggles
Centre-back Matthijs de Ligt maintained the tactical setup was not at fault, while summer signing Bryan Mbeumo urged players to accept greater accountability for their disappointing displays and stressed the problems do not stem from Amorim.
There was, however, considerably less understanding from United icon Wayne Rooney, who confessed he has "no confidence" in Amorim to reverse the situation as he stated the entire organization had lost its character.
Numerous candidates have been discussed regarding potential successors to Amorim. Former Barcelona coach Xavi is understood to be interested in the role if it becomes vacant, and Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner recently acknowledged he was conscious of the rumors surrounding him.