Manchester United may have committed themselves to a very expensive gamble.
If the club decides to part ways with Ruben Amorim before he reaches his first anniversary in November, it will cost them a staggering £12 million in compensation.
That’s on top of the £9.2 million they already paid Sporting Lisbon to secure him last year.
For a club already struggling financially, it’s a bill they can hardly afford.
Yet, despite the team enduring its worst league start in more than three decades, the board insists they’re standing by their Portuguese coach—for now.
A Tough Run of Fixtures Ahead
Amorim’s survival may hinge on what happens over the next few weeks.
United face a punishing schedule: Chelsea at home, Brentford away, a tricky meeting with Sunderland, then Liverpool and Brighton before the month ends.
On the very day he hits his one-year milestone, they travel to Nottingham Forest.
The pressure could not be heavier.
Doubts Over Leadership Style
Behind the scenes, concerns are growing.
Some players are reportedly losing confidence in Amorim’s methods.
Critics inside the club feel he goes quiet in tough moments, failing to lift the squad when it matters most.
His reluctance to watch penalty shootouts, and his subdued touchline presence, have not helped his reputation.
Still, no one can fault his work ethic.
Amorim and his coaching staff put in long hours, monitoring players even during days off with fitness trackers and tailored training plans.
Senior leaders in the dressing room, including Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire, have reminded teammates that responsibility also lies with them—not just the coach.
Emotional Outbursts Raising Eyebrows
If the pressure on the pitch wasn’t enough, Amorim’s fiery post-match comments have also stirred unease.
After Grimsby knocked United out of the Carabao Cup, he admitted he sometimes “hates his players” and wants to quit.
Following the Manchester derby defeat, he declared he’d rather be sacked than compromise his football philosophy.
These flashes of emotion have left the board wary, particularly when press conferences end abruptly after just a handful of questions.
Who Could Step In If He Goes?
Bookmakers are already speculating on possible replacements.
Among the early names linked are Marco Silva of Fulham, Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner, Aston Villa’s Unai Emery, and Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola.
All would come with their own challenges, but the fact such lists exist tells its own story.
Off-Field Controversies
United’s woes aren’t confined to the dugout.
The club angered long-term supporters by converting traditional seating behind the dugouts into an exclusive hospitality area.
Now, with poor uptake, those “VIP” seats are being sold at discounted prices—some as low as £399 for the upcoming Chelsea clash, far below the original £599 tag.
The Harsh Financial Reality
Wednesday’s annual accounts will make grim reading.
United’s losses continue to mount, while rivals Manchester City keep pulling further ahead financially.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has already admitted the club could have gone bust without drastic cost-cutting.
The contrast with City’s booming commercial revenue only highlights United’s ongoing struggles.
A Glimpse of the Future
While the first team flounders, there are glimmers of hope elsewhere.
New goalkeeper Senne Lammens has made a strong impression in training, offering a potential upgrade over current options.
Meanwhile, United’s academy continues to shine under Darren Fletcher, whose U18 side has yet to concede a goal this season. Youngsters like Jim Thwaites are already stepping up, showcasing the club’s future potential.
Old Faces, New Challenges
Elsewhere, former keeper Andre Onana has moved on, starting a new chapter in Turkey with Trabzonspor.
At the same time, the club is trialling promising youngsters like Senegalese winger Etienne Mendy, in line with Ineos’ focus on developing fresh talent.
Fans Fight Back
Supporter unrest is never far away.
The protest group “The 1958” is calling for unity among fan organisations, insisting leadership decisions are being made without genuine consultation.
Their message is clear: if the club won’t listen, fans will act together.
So, What’s Next for United?
United’s season already feels like a knife edge.
The next few weeks could decide not just Ruben Amorim’s future, but the direction of the club itself.
With financial strain mounting, discontent brewing, and performances faltering, Old Trafford is once again braced for turbulence.