Gabby Agbonlahor did coaching badges with Ruben Amorim, doubts he wants Man United job any more
Gabby Agbonlahor has revealed he earned his stripes alongside Ruben Amorim as he believes the Portuguese does not want to be the Man United manager for much longer.
Man United continue to be winless at the start of the 2025-26 campaign after an embarrassing defeat to Grimsby in the EFL Cup.
Appalling performances were hounded from across the pitch including the goalkeeper as Man United fans called for Andre Onana’s contract to be terminated following his shambolic display in net.
The Portuguese manager also came under scrutiny after Amorim looked away from the Man United penalties in the crunch shootout, as former Aston Villa forward Agbonlahor feels the ex-Sporting CP boss does not want the heavy burden of manager of the Red Devils for much longer.
Gabby Agbonlahor now sees Ruben Amorim as a ‘coward’
Speaking on talkSPORT (28 August), the ex-Villain striker shared his views on the former Braga manager from the time they shared training for their coaching badges.
Agbonlahor admitted that Amorim had not lived up to what the Englishman had initially thought of him, compounded by his actions during the penalty shootout, suggesting he is done with the United job.
The pundit said: “I just think the manager to not go over to the players during the penalty shootout just says to me ‘I’m disgusted with all of you, whatever happens let’s get out of here’.
“The players aren’t responding to him, the job is too much for him. Now, I’ve done my coaching badges with Ruben Amorim in Belfast, on our fast-track course.
“And it didn’t seem to me speaking to him whilst we were away for two weeks that he was a coward and that’s what I see now, I see a manager that the job’s too big for him.
“Is he sure he wants to be a Manchester United manager anymore?
“I’m telling you now, I don’t know any manager that would for the whole penalty shootout look away. You’re the leader.
“When you score a penalty you’d look over at your manager and be like ‘yes’ and you look over and your managers got his head down like he’s disgusted at his players. That’s not leadership, you’re the second biggest club in the world.”
Ruben Amorim facing pivotal moment in managerial career that could taint his CV
Football Insider verdict
On his current trajectory, the former Sporting CP boss could be about to doom his managerial reputation after the abysmal showings under his stewardship.
From polarising individuals that don’t fit his mould, to being honest to the point of hanging his players out to dry, Amorim is quickly becoming an unpopular figure in Manchester.
Since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson, the managerial position at Old Trafford has become a poisoned chalice with reputable coaches falling under the immense pressure of the job.
| Ruben Amorim at Man United | |
| Games managed | 45 |
| Wins | 17 |
| Draws | 9 |
| Losses | 19 |
The likes of David Moyes, Erik ten Hag and Louis van Gaal have all suffered due to consistent underperformance and uninspiring play styles.
Indeed, trophies have been won by said managers, yet the Red Devils faithful always hold a high bar in terms of performances which have consistently not been held up.
Amorim could be on the cusp of tarnishing his CV by staying at Old Trafford, but equally, jumping ship now would also show a disappointing aspect of his character.