Ruben Amorim is safe - for now: Sir Jim Ratcliffe 'refusing to panic' over Man Utd form amid supposed talks with Gareth Southgate over manager's job

Amorim took the reins at United in November 2024 following the dismissal of predecessor Erik ten Hag. He had overseen Carabao Cup and FA Cup triumphs, but was still ushered through the exits after failing to turn the Red Devils into contenders for the most prestigious of domestic and European honours.

On the back of a productive spell in charge of Sporting in his homeland, Amorim - as one of the most highly-regarded young managers in the global game - was charged with the task of returning former glories to the so-called ‘Theatre of Dreams’. He has picked up just 18 victories from 49 games at the helm, giving him a miserly win ratio of 36.73 per cent.

United’s latest setback came in a 3-1 defeat at Brentford, as club captain Bruno Fernandes missed a penalty and more holes were picked in the 3-4-3 system that Amorim stubbornly refuses to waver from. That result has left the Red Devils 14th in the Premier League table, with seven points being picked up from a possible 18 through six games in the 2025-26 campaign.

Pressure continues to build on Amorim, having collected only 33 points in total across 34 Premier League fixtures as Red Devils boss, but the Daily Mail reports on how he "still has the backing of Manchester United’s minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe". It is claimed that INEOS and the Old Trafford board are "refusing to panic" despite the ongoing issues that continue to be endured on the field.

Amorim was appointed as a part of a long-term project, which includes the construction of a new £2 billion ($2.7bn) stadium, and remains under contract until 2027 - with said terms including the option for a 12-month extension beyond that point. It has been reported that sacking Amorim would cost United around £12m ($16m).

That is not something that they are willing to consider at present, with the Mail claiming that Ratcliffe "believes Amorim deserves time to work his players after United spent £236 million on new signings in the summer". They go on to state that "United sources said on Sunday that the club are not lining up any replacements."

Amorim told reporters after being quizzed on his future again after a humbling reversal in west London against Brentford: "I am always comfortable with the job. I am not concerned, it is not my decision. I will do the best I can every minute I am here. I am never concerned about my job, I am not that kind of guy. I'm always doing my job. If I win, I'm in a different state of mind. That is normal, but I'm always confident because I know what to do. I've always taken a lot of responsibility on your own shoulders.

"We can play better and we need to play better. It's like ups and downs. When you win, you feel that everything, the momentum is here. When you lose, you go back to the same place and you fight again for one win that can help you to create the momentum.

"I cannot tell you more than I say every time I lose the game. Sometimes you see one team that performs really well and you see improvements. And then sometimes you have some games that you don't see that improvement. That gives you the confidence to say that Manchester United is going to get back. So it's always the same conversation. It depends on the next game. So let's try to win the next game and to improve certain things."

Amid the calls for Amorim to be sacked, talk has inevitably turned to who could replace him. Former England manager Sir Gareth Southgate is said to be in the frame - with discussions reportedly being held with the 55-year-old - while it has also been suggested that United could turn to a club legend such as Michael Carrick or Darren Fletcher to help steady the ship on an interim basis.