Ruben Amorim still retains the backing of the Manchester United board but looks set to be offered an escape route from Old Trafford.
Amorim’s job is under huge scrutiny after the Premier League giants were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by League Two side Grimsby Town.
United fell two goals behind in the first half of Wednesday’s cup game before scoring two late goals to send the second-round tie to penalties.
But it was the League Two side who advanced courtesy of a 12-11 win in the shootout to seal a huge upset and raise further questions about Amorim’s future.
Manchester United finished just 15th in the Premier League last season and failed to qualify for Europe after losing the Europa League final to Tottenham.
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A promising summer window gave United fans cause for optimism but the Red Devils were then beaten by Arsenal on the opening day before only drawing 1-1 with Fulham last weekend.
United’s embarrassing defeat to Grimsby was arguably the club’s nadir since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013.
Despite losing to a League Two side, Manchester United are still backing Amorim to turn things around, according to The Times.
Some fans want Amorim gone but the ex-Sporting Lisbon manager still has the backing of the club’s board, including co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
As a result Amorim will still be in charge of the side on Saturday when United face Premier League new-boys Burnley in a must-win match at Old Trafford.
The subsequent international break will give Amorim a chance to reflect on the opening weeks of the 2025-26 campaign before United face tricky games against Manchester City and Chelsea.
While Amorim still has the backing of his bosses, The Times say he could be offered an escape route by another of his former clubs, Benfica.
While Amorim is known for his time in charge of Sporting, where he won two league titles, he enjoyed a successful playing career at Benfica, lifting three league titles.
Joao Noronha Lopes, who intends to become the new Benfica president, is believed to be a ‘big fan’ of Amorim and would love to bring him back to the club.
Benfica are holding their presidential elections in October and Lopes is one of five candidates hoping to unseat current chief Rui Costa.
More to follow…
