After being given some leeway last season, Ruben Amorim was expected to start the current campaign strongly. ..Continue Reading
But with only one win from four Premier League matches and a surprising Carabao Cup exit to Grimsby Town, pressure is mounting on the former Sporting Club manager to retain his role at Old Trafford.
Reports now indicate he has three matches to change the course and secure his position.
That includes this weekend’s showdown with Chelsea, the following trip to Brentford, and a home fixture against Sunderland—all games United cannot afford to lose.
Defeats, particularly to Brentford and Sunderland, could force INEOS to make a managerial change.
Whether this situation prompts a tactical shift at United remains uncertain.
Amorim made it clear last weekend that the system isn’t the issue. When asked if he would alter it, he told reporters: “I’m not going to change. When I want to change my philosophy, I will change. If not, you have to change the man.”
Instead of changing tactics, the club may look to strengthen the current setup, with transfer speculation already pointing to a high-profile target for 2026.
Sources in Spain claim United and INEOS are ready to make a bid for Federico Valverde from Real Madrid, potentially worth €100m (£87m).
Valverde would be a significant upgrade over Manuel Ugarte and could offer Amorim the kind of midfield presence needed to make his system function effectively.
Whether Valverde would leave Real Madrid for a team facing internal challenges remains uncertain.
His ability to distribute the ball and score goals sets him apart, while Ugarte’s inability to match those qualities explains his slow start at United.
Bringing in Valverde would mean acquiring one of Europe’s top midfield talents—something fans in Spain have recognized for years.
Speaking highly of Valverde, former Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said: “I make the decisions, but the player is always available. He never asks for anything. That is his strength, and that’s why I believe he’s arguably the most complete player in football. He could even play as a center-back without any problem.”
