'He won't put himself through pain' - Ruben Amorim expected to walk away from Man Utd job if they fail to beat Burnley as Erik ten Hag comparison made

Former Arsenal and Aston Villa forward Merson expects United head coach Amorim to hand in his resignation if the Portuguese's men fail to beat Burnley in the Premier League on Saturday. The pundit also made a comparison with former manager Ten Hag while speaking about the state of the Red Devils, highlighting the Dutchman's penchant for picking up a few wins before a long streak of disappointing results, and claimed that could become the case under Amorim should he continue at Old Trafford.

Amorim's job at the Theatre of Dreams has come under increased scrutiny following United's shock Carabao Cup exit thanks to a defeat against fourth-tier side Grismby Town on penalties earlier this week. Having taken over from Ten Hag midway in the 2024-25 season, Amorim could only guide the Red Devils to a 15th-place finish in the league.

Backed with an investment of over £200 million (€231m/$270m), which includes the arrivals of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, the notion was that United would spring back to life after a full pre-season under Amorim. Positive results over the summer generated excitement but it has been a less than ideal start to the season for the ex-Sporting CP boss. United are winless after their opening two league games and the defeat to Grismby only piled on to the misery.

Now, reports claim the United dressing room feels Amorim could resign as head coach in the near future, despite the higher-ups at the club apparently backing him. Merson, too, believes Amorim won't stick around and could depart if things don't go well against Burnley on Saturday.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Merson said: “I will be shocked if he’s still in charge if Man Utd don’t beat Burnley. But they will beat Burnley! It’s a nice game. 

"Ten Hag had that as well: the three or four games without a win, and then second-bottom of the league came. They just won that game and then lost three or four games again. It’s just going to keep on covering the cracks. They will be called Pollyfilla United!

“I don’t think Amorim will be shy to go: I’ve had enough. I can’t do anything. I’ve done what I can. I don’t think he is one to put himself through pain to get his payoff. I don’t know the man, but coming across, I think he’s an honest man and will be honest with himself. But I think they will beat Burnley.”

All eyes will be on Amorim and his troops on Saturday as United try to pick up their first Premier League win of the new season. Patience among fans has already started to wear thin after a slow start and anything less than a victory against Burnley will put Amorim's future under increased scrutiny.