‘Stripped the club’ – Ruben Amorim accused of Man United mismanagement amid ‘massive’ sack prediction
Ruben Amorim has been the targeted by Martin Keown over his poor handling of the situation at Man United as he edges ever closer to being sacked.
Ruben Amorim led Man United to a 33-year low as the Red Devils crumbled against the might of their neighbours in the Manchester derby.
Man United fans were convinced Amorim was getting sacked after the 3-0 defeat to Man City despite the board seeming to back the Portuguese.
Moreover, sources told Football Insider on 15 September that Man United captain Bruno Fernandes could reconsider staying at the club which will only add to the ex-Sporting CP manager’s woes.
In the aftermath of the derby day thrashing, former Arsenal defender Keown weighed on Amorim’s poor man management at Old Trafford.
Ruben Amorim and Man United ‘only heading one direction’ as underwhelming performances continue
Speaking on talkSPORT (15 September), the Invincible commented on the complexities of the ex-Braga boss’ wing-back system from his own playing days.
Keown led the conversation on to the major mistake Amorim has made over letting go of key talented players as well as the United squad not understanding or striving to digest the stubborn philosophy of the Portuguese.
As the Red Devils head coach looks certain to be heading towards a sacking, the former defender said: “[There are] so many question marks and these players… two things.
“The calibre of players is not good enough anymore at Manchester United. I think he’s [Amorim] stripped the club of anybody with any real individual talent.
“So, [Alejandro] Garnacho, Antony, [Jadon] Sancho [have] all been allowed to leave. [Marcus] Rashford as well has that individual ability.
“Okay, we know it’s lacking in his [Rashford’s] performances but nonetheless he’s an individual.
“And the team system, it doesn’t [seem] if the players are really convinced by it. They don’t look like they’re believing in it.
“So, massive question marks and you can see in the results they’re just not up to speed and it’s only heading one direction right now.”
Sir Jim Ratcliffe boxed in a corner with what to do at Man United
When the co-owner arrived to Old Trafford, he swiftly decided to fire Erik ten Hag after a dismal start to the 2024-25 campaign.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe always cited the decision to give the Dutchman a contract extension after his FA Cup exploits as a mistake (Sky Sports).
Interestingly, when Amorim was appointed he was only given until the end of the 2026-27 season, highlighting the more cautious nature the chairman has opted for.
| Ruben Amorim Man United record (as of 14 September) | |
| Games managed | 47 |
| Wins | 18 |
| Draws | 9 |
| Losses | 20 |
Therefore, the board could continue to suffer under the Portuguese’s poor form in the short-term int he hopes of identifying a breakout manager to take over in the not so distant future.
For instance, Thomas Tuchel could become an option should he fail to deliver with England at the 2026 World Cup, presenting a tasty alternative to the faltering current United manager.
Regardless, Ratcliffe has made his bed with Amorim and will likely have to lie in it as he browses the limited managerial market to unearth a gem.