Manchester United Backs Amorim Despite Derby Crisis

Reuben Amorim

In the high-stakes world of Premier League football, fortunes can shift as quickly as a counter-attack. Manchester United now finds itself at a familiar crossroads. Following a bruising 3-0 defeat to arch-rivals Manchester City in the Manchester derby, speculation swirled about the future of head coach Ruben Amorim. Yet, in a rare show of restraint, United’s hierarchy has chosen to stand by the Portuguese tactician, resisting calls for another managerial change despite a dismal start to the 2025/26 campaign.

At the Etihad Stadium, Pep Guardiola’s relentless City side dismantled United with ease. Phil Foden’s opener and an Erling Haaland brace sealed a comprehensive 3-0 victory. United looked toothless in attack and fragile in defense, failing to register a single shot on target in the second half. For fans, this wasn’t just a loss—it was a painful reminder of the widening gulf between the two Manchester clubs.

Amorim’s record does little to ease concerns. Since arriving from Sporting CP in November 2024 to replace Erik ten Hag, he has managed just eight wins from 31 league matches. Despite a £230 million summer outlay on players like Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo, the Red Devils remain stuck in 14th place, evoking memories of their worst league start in over 30 years.

Post-match, Amorim was defiant when pressed on his unwavering commitment to his 3-4-2-1 system. “I won’t change my philosophy. If they want it changed, you change the man,” he declared. Critics, including Roy Keane and Micah Richards, argue that his rigidity leaves United vulnerable, while Gary Neville warned his tactical vision must “land very quickly” to survive.

At 40, Amorim is still relatively young in managerial terms. His two-year turnaround plan at Old Trafford is ambitious, but time is rarely a luxury for Manchester United managers. While the lack of European football this season provides more training opportunities, early Carabao Cup elimination has further dented morale.

INEOS chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who assumed sporting control in 2024, witnessed the derby defeat firsthand. Despite mounting pressure, insiders reveal that Ratcliffe and the Glazers have “no immediate plans” to dismiss Amorim, viewing sacking rumors as premature. Journalist Kaveh Solhekol echoed that Amorim is safe for now, unless results slide toward relegation danger.

This patience aligns with INEOS’ long-term strategy of investing in infrastructure, including the redevelopment of Carrington. Yet, the approach has not been without controversy. Off-pitch decisions like job cuts and ticket price hikes continue to anger fans, raising questions about whether the post-Glazer era has truly brought progress.

Looking forward, United face the daunting task of climbing from 14th into contention for a Champions League spot. With Arsenal, Liverpool, and City pulling away, even a top-five finish appears an uphill battle. Smaller, better-managed clubs are also narrowing the gap, intensifying the competition.

For Amorim, survival depends on whether he can adapt his philosophy to the demands of the Premier League. His track record at Sporting, ending a 19-year title drought, proves he has the pedigree to succeed. But Old Trafford is far less forgiving.

As Roy Keane put it, United must rediscover its fear factor. Whether Amorim can deliver that remains uncertain. For now, United’s hierarchy has chosen patience over panic—a gamble that could define not just Amorim’s future, but the trajectory of Manchester United itself.