Amorim admits he could face sack as Man Utd go into 'all or nothing' Athletic game

Ruben Amorim admits failure to secure Europa League success could lead to his dismissal, intensifying pressure on the Portuguese manager amid the club’s dismal Premier League campaign.

With United languishing in 14th place, the Europa League semi-final against Athletic Bilbao represents a critical lifeline for Amorim’s tenure and the club’s financial future.

United’s 1-1 draw against Bournemouth underscored their struggles, with Rasmus Hojlund’s late equalizer masking deeper issues in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system.

The Mirror reports that sources close to the club have indicated Amorim’s job is on the line if United fail to win the Europa League, a competition offering a £100 million windfall and Champions League qualification.

Former United striker Dimitar Berbatov, speaking to Bet365, emphasized the stakes, stating, “If Amorim doesn’t win the Europa League, his position becomes very shaky. It’s Manchester United—expectations are massive.”

Victory would mark United’s first European trophy since the 2017 Europa League under Jose Mourinho, providing a much-needed boost.

Amorim, appointed in November 2024, has faced criticism for United’s lackluster performances, with 13 goalless games and 11 set-piece goals conceded this season, per The Athletic.

Despite a semi-final berth, Berbatov warned that losing to Bilbao or in the final could prompt a “very difficult” decision from CEO Omar Berrada, especially with United’s worst Premier League season in decades looming.

Amorim remains defiant, telling Sky Sports, “I’m here to face the challenge… We’re building something for the future.”

His decision to loan out Marcus Rashford and Antony, deemed unfit for his system, and reliance on young players like Alejandro Garnacho reflect a long-term vision, but the immediate pressure is palpable.

United’s pursuit of Wolves’ Matheus Cunha (£62.5 million) and interest in Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, per the Manchester Evening News, aim to bolster the attack, but Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) necessitate sales of stars like Casemiro.

X posts capture fan unrest, with @SkySportsPL quoting a supporter calling United’s form “embarrassing,” while @UtdFaithfuls defends Amorim, citing his Europa League progress.

Pundits like Gary Neville, via Sky Sports, argue the squad’s limitations hinder Amorim’s 3-4-2-1, urging patience.

Critically, sacking Amorim after six months seems harsh given the inherited squad issues, but United’s history of managerial churn fuels speculation.

The Europa League’s financial and prestige rewards make it a defining moment, with Bilbao’s athletic style a tough test. Amorim’s fate hinges on navigating this high-stakes clash, balancing short-term results with his long-term rebuild.