If Man United lose today, it could be curtains for Amorim. — AP
As unpalatable as it may seem for some, Ruben Amorim could be relieved of his duties as head coach of Manchester United as early as this weekend.
This could well unfold if Man United are beaten by Burnley at Old Trafford in the Premier League today.
Amorim, despite all the hype surrounding his arrival and his famed 3-4-3 formation brought over from Sporting CP, has failed dismally.
He just keeps stacking up all the wrong stats.
Their midweek demise at the hands of fourth tier Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup – exiting via a penalty shootout – has been described as the worst result in the club’s history.
Of course, there have been similar humiliations for the Red Devils over the years, but this one tops the lot.
And it comes at a time when things at Old Trafford are far from what they should really be.
Last season’s 15th-place finish was their worst ever in the Premier League.
And when you add up all the other record-low moments Amorim has overseen since his arrival last November, to say things have become worrying is an understatement.
For those mouthy Man United fans who’ve had plenty to say about everyone else for so long, they might be in for even more pain today. However the recent defeat could spur the club to win big this weekend.
A 3-0 victory over Scott Parker’s Burnley should indeed offer some respite for Amorim and his charges.
Man United boast a front three that cost the club nearly £200mil in this transfer window.
And should they succeed in bringing in Danish defensive midfielder Morten Hjulmand, as many suspect, their summer spending could exceed £250mil.
Not many are giving the home side much chance of seeing off the Clarets, and yes, Burnley are unlikely to make it easy for Amorim and company.
Perhaps Amorim should bite his lip and opt for a simple, straightforward formation, maybe a 4-4-2, in a bid to get the right result and begin turning the club’s fortunes around.
Or he should simply pack his bags and head for the exit – without needing to be cajoled.
Man United have more talent in their squad than almost any other club in English football, barring one or two exceptions.
Beating teams like Burnley is never guaranteed, but it should happen regularly for a club of Man United’s pedigree.
Should they fail to do so today, it would come as no surprise to see Amorim making his way back to Portugal.
