Ruben Amorim is facing mounting pressure at Manchester United as the club continues to underperform under his leadership.
Despite high expectations following his appointment last year, a string of disappointing results and performances have led to increasing demands for change from both fans and pundits. A 2-0 victory over Sunderland at Old Trafford before the international break offered some respite, marking the team's third consecutive home win after their worst start to a season in 33 years.
United currently find themselves in 10th place in the Premier League table, far short of the club's aspirations for a top-four finish. Disturbing losses to Manchester City, Brentford and League Two underdogs Grimsby Town have left a sour taste. The Red Devils are yet to secure a win away from home this season, with their only victories coming against two newly promoted teams and a Chelsea side that played most of the match with 10 men.
With the memory of last season's record-low 15th-place finish still fresh, United supporters will be eager for their team to start gaining momentum once the domestic season resumes. However, that may be easier said than done with a daunting visit to champions Liverpool looming this Sunday. Here's all the latest news from Old Trafford.
Nearly a year ago, Erik ten Hag was shown the door at United following a dismal start to the campaign. Despite the club's woeful form - United were languishing in 14th place at the time - the Dutchman was allegedly kept completely in the dark about his looming dismissal, with crucial discussions taking place at Carrington, United's training facility in the build-up to that decisive day, October 28, 2024.
Ten Hag had escaped a potential summer axing after clinching the FA Cup, even securing a one-year contract extension and over £200million worth of fresh signings.
Yet, following a dismal spell of just one victory in eight matches, the decision was taken rapidly, with the dismissal described as a "walk-the-plank moment" that highlighted the club's unpredictable decision-making under Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
This past instability reflects the current pressure mounting on Amorim, who's confronting a similarly precarious battle to retain his position after disappointing performances in his inaugural year in charge. Recently, Ratcliffe acknowledged Amorim had "not had the best of seasons," while also suggesting he might grant the manager time.
"He has not had the best of seasons," Ratcliffe stated during a recent appearance on The Business Podcast. "Amorim is a good guy. I would say Ruben needs to demonstrate that he's a great coach over three years. "That's where I would be - three years - because football is not overnight.
"Look at Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, he had a miserable time the first couple of years. " Just as Ten Hag was backed before his sudden departure, Ratcliffe's recent remarks, offering Amorim time to prove himself, mirror the fleeting support his predecessor received this time last year, suggesting potential turmoil if performances don't pick up.
Manchester United's £66m summer acquisition Benjamin Sesko had a challenging afternoon during Slovenia's World Cup qualifier against Switzerland on Monday, reports the Mirror.
The match ended in a goalless draw, extending Sesko's international scoring drought to a full year. The 22-year-old striker, who has scored two goals in his last two United games after a slow start at Old Trafford, was described as "lonely" by the Slovenian media due to a lack of service from his team-mates.
Ekipa newspaper gave Sesko a rating of 6.5 out of 10, joking that he might have been "humming that 20 year old Akon hit - Lonely," after he missed his only opportunity while being left isolated for most of the match.
With Slovenia holding just 34% possession and focusing on defence, Sesko was forced to drop back, managing only 31 touches, one shot off target, and no successful dribbles.
Slovenia manager Matjaz Kek pointed out the team's lack of "killer instinct" in attack, indirectly referencing Sesko's struggles amid poor support.
Despite positive defensive contributions like five ball recoveries, Sesko's performance highlights the difficulties in transferring his club form to the national team, particularly as Slovenia risks missing out on the 2026 World Cup.