Amorim says Man Utd 'need results to continue project'

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim admits he cannot hide from his poor record in charge and accepts that criticism from Old Trafford legends is inevitable as pressure builds on his tenure.

On Tuesday, United’s record goalscorer Wayne Rooney told his BBC podcast that “the soul has gone” from his former club. Amorim, who has managed just 18 wins from 49 games since taking charge—including only nine victories in 33 Premier League matches—acknowledged that results have not been good enough.

“It is normal,” Amorim said when asked about Rooney’s remarks. “You can’t run away from the results. Then you have the baggage from last season, [although] last season for me doesn’t matter.”

United have yet to win back-to-back Premier League games under the Portuguese, and Saturday’s match against newly promoted Sunderland is being viewed as pivotal. Failure to win would almost certainly trigger a fresh round of speculation about his future, especially with another two-week international break looming.

Backing from Ratcliffe—But for How Long?

Senior Old Trafford sources insist co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe continues to support Amorim. That position is said to reflect private conversations held in recent weeks, even after damaging defeats such as the recent loss to Brentford.

Yet Amorim concedes there is a limit to Ratcliffe’s patience.

“Nobody here is naive. We understand we need results to continue the project. We will reach a point that is impossible for everyone because this is a very big club with a lot of sponsors, with two owners. Of course, it’s a dream to be here. I want to continue here and I want to fight for this, but the problem is now.”

While some insiders believe Amorim could eventually resign rather than be sacked, the manager dismissed the idea—though he admitted the thought crosses his mind during difficult moments.

“No. That is a board decision. I cannot do that. Sometimes I do have that feeling and losing is hard. It’s so frustrating when you create the momentum, go to the next game and something happens. That feeling sometimes hurts me a lot. But I think it would be really hard to leave if I don’t do everything to follow my career here.”

Financial Pressures and Mid-Season Friendlies

Alongside on-pitch struggles, Manchester United are also grappling with major financial shortfalls after missing out on European football this season.

Amorim has sanctioned plans for money-spinning mid-season friendlies, similar to last year’s matches in Malaysia and Hong Kong, which generated around £10m. With the Europa League final defeat to Tottenham costing United up to £100m in lost revenue, and an early Carabao Cup exit further hitting their finances, the club is now exploring games in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, or Dubai during the winter months.

“We have to do it,” Amorim said. “We knew that when we missed Europe, we had to compensate a lot of things, including our fans and the budget. So we are putting [it] all together to do that.”

United last visited Saudi Arabia in January 2008 for a testimonial against Al Hilal. With other European heavyweights such as AC Milan, RB Leipzig, and Sevilla also missing out on continental competition, it is likely United could arrange high-profile friendlies in similar regions.

The Road Ahead

For now, Amorim’s future rests on results. Despite Ratcliffe’s current backing, the Portuguese knows the expectations at Old Trafford are unforgiving. His words underline both the challenge and the urgency:

“Of course, it’s a dream to be here. I want to continue here and I want to fight for this, but the problem is now.”

As Sunderland await on Saturday, Amorim faces what could be one of the most defining matches of his United career.