Pressure is rapidly mounting on Ruben Amorim after Manchester United’s catastrophic loss to Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup – but INEOS continue to throw their full weight behind the Portuguese coach.
From Hero to Zero
Amorim would have been feeling upbeat following the loss to Arsenal on the first weekend of the Premier League season.
He had witnessed his team beat Mikel Arteta’s team at Old Trafford and deserved all three points, but Altay Bayindir’s mistake gave the Gunners a decisive victory.
Performance seemed to be improving, and this would be reflected in future outcomes. That was the theory, anyway, but in reality, it rarely works out that way.
Amorim seemed at a loss for words when he tried to explain to Grimsby why they lost on penalties last night. It was a terrible outcome and a poor performance, the kind that instantly raises doubts about the manager’s future, regardless of how secure their job may be.
However, it could have been the end for a coach who has suffered as much as Amorim has since moving to Manchester to take Erik ten Hag’s place in November.
INEOS remain behind their choice
INEOS remain “determined to stick” with Amorim despite the embarrassing cup exit at the hands of a League Two side, The Times reveals.
The Portuguese coach “retains the backing” of the United board and will be in charge for Saturday’s match against Burnley in the Premier League.
The report states, “it is understood that Amorim still has the backing of the board, including the United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.” He is “prepared” to give Amorim more time to steady a ship which appears precariously close to sinking.
But the report counters that that “patience will, most likely, be put to the test in the coming weeks if United continue to struggle to win matches.”
Performances alone will not be sufficient to save Amorim – he now needs results to pair with them.
An Escape to Portugal?
One team, the Portuguese powerhouse Benfica, will be closely observing United’s games in the upcoming weeks.
Amorim had a great playing career with The Eagles, winning three Liga Portugal titles, despite managing their rivals, Sporting CP.
João Noronha Lopes, a contender for the Benfica presidency, is reportedly “hopeful of luring Amorim back to the club” as manager, according to The Times.
Nuno Gomes, a former forward for Blackburn Rovers and Benfica who also happens to be one of Amorim’s closest friends, will “assist” Lopes in his campaign.
“[Amorim is] an excellent coach, under contract with Manchester United,” Lopes stated. “I won’t destabilise Benfica. They have a very important match ahead of them.”
Whether Amorim would consider a return to Portugal to play for Sporting’s bitter local rival is a hypothetical for another day. But the fact that it’s a question even in the conversation shows what a monumental shift has occurred at Old Trafford over the past seven days.
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