Step aside or face the axe! Jamie Carragher warns Ruben Amorim about Man Utd's looming call as 'troubled' Sir Jim Ratcliffe confronts crucial summer choice
After their Europa League final defeat, both Ruben Amorim and Manchester United might benefit from parting ways.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Taking over from Erik ten Hag in November, the Portuguese manager failed to revive Manchester United’s fortunes, with the club languishing in 16th place ahead of the final matchday. Their defeat to Tottenham in the Europa League final also means they’ll miss out on European football next season—a major setback for their transfer plans.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Amorim has come under fire as his team’s poor form continues, with the manager himself conceding he’d understand if United dismissed him after such a dismal season. Former Liverpool and England defender Carragher believes much depends on Amorim’s capacity to restore United’s competitiveness – but argues both sides should cut ties now.
WHAT CARRAGHER SAID
“After losing a potential £100 million windfall by missing out on the Champions League, United will be gambling the short-term and long-term health of the club on Amorim leading an extraordinary revival,” he wrote in The Telegraph. “No wonder [part-owner Sir Jim] Ratcliffe looked haunted at the trophy presentation in Bilbao. This is the path United embarked upon when they headhunted Amorim.
“Now that his six months in charge have gone so badly, Ratcliffe and his INEOS colleagues will need a decisive plan for how he will navigate the club through the most challenging period in United’s modern history. Their grave concern must be that they have seen absolutely no evidence so far to suggest he is up to it. On that basis, backing Amorim this summer may be the honourable option, but it is not necessarily the bravest.
“Would it suit all parties if he shook hands and walked away from Old Trafford? Many people in football would probably consider that a mutually beneficial outcome.”
WHAT NEXT FOR UNITED?
Amorim’s side will conclude their campaign with a home clash against Aston Villa on Sunday before turning their attention to squad reinforcements for next season.
