Rúben Amorim’s position as Manchester United’s head coach is looking increasingly unstable, as reports suggest he has issued a firm ultimatum to the club’s hierarchy. The Portuguese manager has made it clear that he is ready to resign if his key demands are not met. Since taking charge in November 2024, following Erik ten Hag’s dismissal, Amorim has faced a host of challenges, ranging from financial constraints to internal disagreements that have hampered the team’s progress.
One of the biggest issues frustrating Amorim is the club’s ongoing financial difficulties. The decision to part ways with Ten Hag and former sporting director Dan Ashworth came at a steep cost, amounting to £14.5 million. This, coupled with an overall financial loss of £27.7 million in the last quarter of 2024, has significantly limited the resources available for squad reinforcements.
With funds stretched thin, Amorim has been forced to work with a squad that he believes needs major improvements. Tensions have flared between him and the board over transfer policies, as the club insists that players must be sold before new signings can be made. This approach has not only frustrated Amorim but also left fans concerned about the club’s ability to compete at the highest level.
Adding to the crisis is the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Marcus Rashford. The England international’s inconsistent training performances have raised questions within the club, with speculation mounting over a possible exit. Amorim has reportedly been frustrated by the lack of decisive action from the board regarding Rashford’s situation. The lack of support in handling key player decisions has made the manager feel increasingly sidelined, worsening the growing divide between him and the club’s leadership.
On the pitch, Manchester United’s struggles have only intensified. Currently sitting 15th in the Premier League, the team has endured a disappointing run of results, leading to mounting pressure on Amorim’s tactics and leadership. Their latest 1-0 loss to Tottenham marked their 12th league defeat of the season, further fueling fan frustration.
Many supporters have directed their anger toward the manager, accusing him of failing to motivate the squad. In response to the criticism, Amorim did not hold back, stating, “I’m planning to step down if those conditions remain unmet… We can’t succeed without those things.” His remarks indicate that he views the club’s structural and financial instability as the primary obstacles to success rather than his own managerial capabilities.
Off the field, Manchester United’s financial problems have led to drastic cost-cutting measures. Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has overseen major reductions, including laying off up to 200 employees, in an effort to curb the club’s reported losses, which have exceeded £300 million over the past three years. These actions have only deepened the sense of instability surrounding the club, further complicating Amorim’s situation.
As United prepares for crucial fixtures against Everton on February 22, 2025, and Ipswich Town on February 26, 2025, the pressure is mounting. The outcomes of these matches could be pivotal in determining Amorim’s fate, as the club’s board deliberates on its next steps. The decision they face is a critical one—either backing their manager by addressing the deep-rooted financial and operational challenges or opting for yet another managerial change in what has already been a turbulent season.
Ultimately, Amorim’s uncertain future underscores the broader dysfunction within Manchester United’s management. If he steps down, it would not only add to the club’s instability but also force the leadership to confront the underlying issues that have plagued the club for years. The coming weeks will be crucial in shaping the direction of both Amorim’s career and the future of Manchester United.
