Tensions are rising within Manchester United’s squad as poor performances under manager Ruben Amorim continue to mount.
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The team suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat to arch-rivals Manchester City on Sunday, dropping them to 14th place in the Premier League standings. ..Continue Reading
With only four points from their first four matches and an early exit from the Carabao Cup at the hands of League Two’s Grimsby Town, the pressure is intensifying.
Amorim, formerly of Sporting, currently holds the lowest win rate of any full-time United manager since World War II—just 36.17%.
Since taking over from Erik ten Hag last November, he’s managed only eight victories in 31 league games. For comparison, Ten Hag maintained a win rate of 54.7% during his tenure.
This marks United’s worst season start since 1992/93, yet the club’s leadership reportedly remains committed to Amorim, whose contract runs through 2027.
However, upcoming fixtures against Chelsea, Brentford, and a resurgent Sunderland—followed by a challenging visit to league leaders Liverpool—could shift that stance quickly.
According to The Times, while there isn’t a full-blown mutiny among the players, signs of division within the dressing room are becoming increasingly apparent.
“Some players are annoyed at not playing, and are disaffected by certain elements of Amorim’s regime — including his refusal to change the system — but there is also significant support for the head coach,” read the report.
Amorim has refused to deviate from his preferred 3-4-2-1 style and has conceded the club would have to sack him before he changed his tactics.
“I’m not going to change,” he said. “When I want to change my philosophy, I will change. If not, you have to change the man.”
Amorim admitted last week that “sometimes I want to quit”, raising speculation over his long-term future at the club.
Nonetheless, individuals close to the manager have dismissed claims that he has begun talks to step down from his role.
This follows the appearance of Benfica presidential hopeful João Noronha Lopes at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, which sparked rumors that Ruben Amorim might be eyeing a move back to Portuguese football.
Lopes was accompanied by Nuno Gomes, a longtime friend and former teammate of Amorim, who is expected to take on the vice-presidential role should Lopes win the election.
Speaking to Portuguese media at the weekend, Lopes said: “Ruben Amorim is the coach of Manchester United so I can’t answer the questions.
“One thing I know, Ruben Amorim will be the coach of Benfica one day.
“Joao has already shown in recent years that he is capable of changing Benfica, to make it greater and different from what it has been in recent years.”