Ruben Amorim finds himself operating under immense and rapidly escalating pressure at Manchester United, despite reportedly retaining the backing of the board for the immediate future. Since taking the helm in November 2024 following Erik ten Hag's abrupt departure, Amorim's tenure has been characterized by wildly inconsistent performances and results, leaving the team wallowing in 14th place in the Premier League table after six games, a mere three points above the relegation zone. United has consistently failed to achieve two consecutive wins across any competition under his leadership, and has spent only two gameweeks in the top half of the table.

Amorim's debut game, a 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town on November 24, 2024, set a somber tone as he warned fans, "We are going to suffer for a long period." This foreshadowed a challenging period where he consistently delivered home truths about the club's struggles. Ahead of a 3-2 home defeat to Nottingham Forest on December 6, 2024, he candidly stated, "[Manchester United] are a massive club, but we are not a massive team." A dramatic 4-3 Carabao Cup quarterfinal defeat to Tottenham on December 19 left him feeling numb, articulating, "Tonight I don't feel anything."

The grim reality of his task became palpable after a dismal 3-0 home defeat to AFC Bournemouth on December 22, 2024, where fans booed the team off, prompting Amorim to admit, "In this moment, everything is so hard." The team's struggles deepened with a 2-0 home loss to Newcastle United on December 30, marking the first time in nearly half a century that United had lost three straight home games. This result placed them precariously three points above the relegation zone, to which Amorim acknowledged, "That is really clear [United are being dragged into a relegation battle] so we have to fight. It is also my fault. The team is not improving. We are a little bit lost in this moment and it is a bit embarrassing to be Manchester United coach and lose a lot of games."

The risible run continued into the new year, culminating in a 3-1 home defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion on January 19, 2025. With only 11 points from 11 games, Amorim shockingly declared, "We are the worst team maybe in the history of Manchester United." His league win rate stood at a mere 27.3%, significantly lower than David Moyes' 50%, the previous lowest for a permanent United manager in the Premier League era. As the season progressed, a 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest on April 1, 2025, prompted speculation about his future: "In Manchester United, you don't have the time. I will not have the time." The domestic season concluded with United losing six of their last nine league games, finishing 15th, and a 2-0 home defeat to West Ham United on May 11 saw Amorim lament, "We don't have that fear anymore and that is the most dangerous thing that a big club can have. It's my fault, I'm responsible."

Despite the league's write-off, United had a chance for silverware in the UEFA Europa League. After progressing to the final, they suffered a 1-0 defeat against Tottenham on May 21, 2025. In the aftermath, Amorim maintained his defiant stance, stating he would not quit but would step aside without compensation if the board decided he was not the right person. "I'm really confident about my job and, as you can see, I will not change anything in the way I do things."

The 2025-26 season offered little respite. On August 27, 2025, United suffered a humiliating Carabao Cup exit against fourth-tier Grimsby Town, their first loss to such a low-ranked team in 147 years. This defeat, where Amorim's tactical tinkering became a meme, was widely seen as the "point of no return." He hinted at his players having "downed tools," suggesting, "Something has to change, and you're not going to change 22 players again." Just two days later, ahead of United's third game of the season, a reflective Amorim admitted, "Sometimes I want to quit, sometimes I want to be here for 20 years."

The pressure intensified, yet Amorim displayed flashes of his characteristic stubbornness and humor. Following a meeting with minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe on September 19, 2025, Amorim jokingly claimed Ratcliffe offered him a new contract, a piece of gallows humor. He also reiterated his unwavering commitment to his much-maligned 3-4-3 formation, stating, "Not even the Pope could make me change my formation." Ahead of the Brentford match on September 26, he spoke of approaching "every game like it's the last one." However, a 3-1 loss to Brentford on September 27 did not deter him from publicly stating, "I am never concerned about my job. I am not that kind of guy. It is not my decision. I will do the best I can every minute I am here."

Amidst Amorim's struggles, it has been revealed that Manchester United had considered reappointing former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on a temporary basis before hiring Amorim almost a year ago. Solskjaer, who managed United for three years, winning 92 of 168 games, was dismissed in November 2021. He is now back in the Golden Triangle area, prompting renewed discussion about his potential return should Amorim be sacked. The club's image as a "family club" was maintained through a pre-planned family day at Carrington, even as the team's professional performance faltered. Despite over £250 million spent on six players under Amorim's watch, the team's performance has visibly worsened. Rumors of a November 11 cut-off date, which would entitle Amorim to a lower compensation package, have also circulated, adding another layer to the intense scrutiny surrounding his future. While the board's official stance is unchanged, and no replacement is explicitly lined up, the consistent signs from club insiders suggest that Amorim's time at Old Trafford may be drawing to an inevitable close.