Manchester United is facing a storm of scrutiny after their shocking Carabao Cup exit at the hands of Grimsby Town.
The early-season defeat has piled pressure on Ruben Amorim, the club’s 40-year-old manager, who spent over £200 million on new signings this summer.
The loss, which came on penalties to a League Two side, has amplified doubts about Amorim’s future at Old Trafford.
While he had previously considered stepping aside in January and suggested in May that he would waive any compensation if he wasn’t the right fit, the latest setback has made his position increasingly uncertain.
A Frustrated Manager Hints at Conversations Ahead
After the defeat, Amorim described the result as “the limit” and revealed that he plans to discuss his situation with the club during the upcoming two-week international break following United’s clash with Burnley at Old Trafford on Saturday.
His candid remarks have only fueled speculation over whether he might be considering a departure.
He admitted to mixed emotions about his players, saying:
“Sometimes I hate my players, sometimes I love my players, sometimes I want to defend them. I think this is my way of doing things.
After a result like that, I was so frustrated and annoyed.”
Amorim also stressed that he won’t conform to external expectations of calmness or consistency in handling the media, insisting that the performance against Grimsby was simply “unacceptable.”
Benfica Could Offer a Way Out
Amid the uncertainty, reports suggest Amorim might have an unexpected escape route: his former club Benfica.
The former Sporting boss is still highly regarded in Lisbon, where he enjoyed a successful playing career and lifted three league titles as a midfielder.
Presidential candidate Joao Noronha Lopes is reportedly keen to bring Amorim back to the Estadio da Luz.
Lopes has enlisted Nuno Gomes, the former Benfica striker and close friend of Amorim, to strengthen his campaign.
For now, Benfica remains under the management of Bruno Lage, who led the team to a runners-up finish last season, just two points behind Sporting.
Lopes has been circumspect when asked about Amorim, stating:
“He’s an excellent coach, under contract with Manchester United.
I won’t destabilise Benfica. They have a very important match ahead of them.”
Pressure Builds Ahead of Burnley Clash
As Manchester United prepares to face Burnley on Saturday, Amorim’s candid reflections show a manager under immense pressure.
While he acknowledges moments when he wants to quit or feels frustrated with his squad, he remains determined to confront the challenges head-on.
With speculation linking him back to Benfica and fans growing increasingly anxious after a summer of heavy investment, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Ruben Amorim can steady the ship at Old Trafford—or whether a return to familiar grounds in Lisbon beckons.
