Manchester United manager, Ruben Amorim, continues to enjoy the support of the club's ownership despite a surprising Carabao Cup defeat at League Two Grimsby on Wednesday. This comes amidst growing concerns over his tenure and recent statements following the penalty shootout loss at Blundell Park.
The defeat at Grimsby marked a low point for Manchester United as it was their first loss to fourth-tier opposition. The team had to rally from two goals down after being outplayed for an hour before eventually losing in a penalty shootout. This unexpected result has led to increased scrutiny of Amorim's leadership and strategy.
Club ownership backs Amorim
Despite these concerns, sources close to the situation insist that there is no uncertainty about Amorim's position from the top management. They argue that it was always understood that rebuilding under Amorim would be a long-term project and they are keen not to make hasty decisions based on a few poor results.
In fact, Manchester United has shown its faith in Amorim by investing £200m in attacking players this summer alone. Furthermore, negotiations are ongoing which could see Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Rasmus Hojlund joining Chelsea, Real Betis and Napoli respectively.
This approach reflects lessons learned from 2024 when Erik ten Hag was backed with a similar transfer budget only for him to be sacked before October ended.
Rooney expresses concerns
However, not everyone shares this optimism about the club’s future under Amorim’s leadership. Club legend Wayne Rooney voiced his concern saying it was "clear for everyone to see that there's something not right" at Manchester United following their defeat against Grimsby.
Wayne Rooney, Manchester United legend, said:
"There were a lot of positives against Arsenal and then Fulham was a disappointment. Then to go to Grimsby and lose with the best players involved in the game and the way they lost, it was disheartening,"
Amidst these criticisms, Coach Ruben did not shy away from media duties but instead gave his bleak assessment of the situation to in-house station MUTV. His comments, which he chose not to clarify, have been interpreted by some as him considering his future at the club.
Manchester United manager, Ruben Amorim, said:
"Let's focus on the next game and then we have time to think about things. We have a job to do, a job to prepare, and then we will stop and think things through."
This is not the first time that Amorim has faced such speculation. Last season, it was reported that he offered to resign at one point, although this was never confirmed. In a previous statement during summer, Amorim described his desire to do well and his emotional response when he doesn't as "an ego thing".
