´Every manager is in danger´ – Amorim admits Man Utd job not safe

Ruben Amorim does not believe his position as Manchester United coach is comfortable even at this early stage, warning: “Every manager is in danger.”

Amorim has failed to have an immediate impact upon arriving at Old Trafford from Sporting CP, losing five of his first 10 games at the helm across all competitions.

Their latest defeat came against Wolves on Boxing Day, with Matheus Cunha and Hwang Hee-chan on target at Molineux after Bruno Fernandes was sent off early in the second half.

Amorim is the first United manager to lose as many as five of his first 10 games in charge since Walter Crickmer lost six of his first 10 in January 1932.

They are a lowly 14th in the Premier League table, having lost four of their last five matches in the competition, as many defeats as they suffered in their previous 15 (seven wins, four draws).

Things do not get any easier for the Red Devils as they host Newcastle United on Monday before visiting Anfield to face Liverpool on January 5.

“The manager of Manchester United can never, no matter what, be comfortable,” Amorim said at Friday’s pre-match press conference.

“You can argue I have been here one month, and I’ve had four training sessions, but we are not winning. That is the reality.”

9 – Collectively, the two Manchester clubs have lost nine matches in all competitions in December (United 5, City 4), the most in a single month since April 1971 (also 9). Rain. pic.twitter.com/5gQgn8m92g

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 27, 2024

United paid Sporting £10.6million in compensation to prise Amorim away from the Lisbon giants, but Amorim knows that investment will not save him if their poor form continues.

“I know that if we don’t win, regardless if they pay the buyout or not, every manager is in danger,” Amorim said. “I like that because that is the job.”

Upon agreeing to take the job, Amorim reportedly asked United chief executive Omar Berrada if he could begin his duties at the end of the season.

Given the team’s recent struggles, Amorim was asked whether he would have preferred to wait before taking charge, but he has banished that thought from his mind.

“There’s no point talking or thinking about that,” said Amorim. “I’m here and have to focus on the job.

“It’s part of football to have these difficult moments. I already knew it was going to be tough.

“You expect to win more games, to have players with more confidence to sell the idea and to work and improve things.

“At this moment, it’s really hard. We have to survive to have time and then to improve the team.”

5 – Manchester United are the first side in the Premier League era to lose five matches in all competitions in consecutive Decembers, losing five games in both December 2023 and December 2024. Humbug. pic.twitter.com/6aHgtwymmK

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 27, 2024