By Phil Haigh
Copyright metro
Is it time for Manchester United to move on from Ruben Amorim? (Picture: Getty Images)
Jamie Carragher believes Ruben Amorim is only remaining as Manchester United manager because the club hierarchy do not want to admit they have made another mistake.
Amorim has been in charge since November 2024 and things have not gone well for the Red Devils under his leadership.
A 15th-place finish last season was their worst ever in the Premier League and after three defeats in their opening six league games of this campaign, they sit 14th.
A Carabao Cup exit at the hands of League Two Grimsby Town was yet another low point during a spell which Carragher has labelled a ‘disaster’ for both the club and the manager.
The Liverpool legend reckons Amorim must be relieved of his duties and his bosses at Old Trafford are only choosing not to pull the trigger because they don’t want to admit they got his appointment wrong.
‘I think he’s still in a job because I think the powers-that-be at Manchester United have made that many mistakes so far, on and off the pitch, that they almost don’t want to admit right now that they’ve made another,’ Carragher told Sky Sports.
‘This has been a disaster for Manchester United, but also Ruben Amorim. What he did at Sporting Lisbon was fantastic, he looked like the next big thing as a manager. But bringing in a manager like that, in terms of the system that he plays, I don’t think every really suited the club and the traditions of Manchester United.
Bruno Fernandes saw a penalty saved against Brentford (Picture: Getty Images)
‘The quicker Manchester United make the decision on the manager, I think it’s better for everybody because it’s been a disaster for club but also the manager and we’re only waiting for the inevitable, I think.
‘You don’t want to see people lose their jobs but this has to end as quickly as possible.’
In a damning assessment of Amorim with the Red Devils, Carragher added: ‘I think every other Premier League manager would think “I could to a better job.”
Amorim shows little sign of improving things with the Red Devils (Picture: Getty Images)
‘Any competent football manager could get United to the European places or certainly fighting for them. It couldn’t have gone any worse.
‘What he did at Sporting was really special, but it will be better for everyone to just shake hands and move on.’
Amorim’s next task is facing Sunderland at Old Trafford on Saturday, with the Black Cats in far better form than the Red Devils.
Sunderland will provide the latest test for Manchester United this weekend (Picture: Getty Images)
The side that won the Championship play-offs last season have picked up four more points than Manchester United over their opening six games.
Failure to beat Sunderland would pile more pressure on Amorim, although reports suggest he is unlikely to be fired before November as it would cost the club a huge amount of money.
Manchester United would have to pay Amorim £12m if they dismiss him within 12 months of being appointed, something they will be very keen to avoid doing.
Ruben Amorim’s Premier League wins
Amorim has won nine of his 33 league games in charge.
Sep 20: Man Utd 2-1 Chelsea
Aug 30: Man Utd 3-2 Burnley
May 25: Man Utd 2-0 Aston Villa
Mar 16: Leicester 0-3 Man Utd
Feb 26: Man Utd 3-2 Ipswich
Jan 26: Fulham 0-1 Man Utd
Jan 16: Man Utd 3-1 Southampton
Dec 15: Man City 1-2 Man Utd
Dec 01: Man Utd 4-0 Everton
After a 3-1 defeat to Brentford on Saturday, Amorim was asked if he is concerned about his future.
‘I am always comfortable with the job,’ he told the BBC.
‘I am not concerned. It is not my decision. I will do the best I can every minute I am here. I am never concerned about my job, I am not that kind of guy.’
