Rúben Amorim is about to go through a “very important moment” that could decide his future at Manchester United, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Rúben Amorim is under serious scrutiny at Manchester United after a poor run of results to begin the 2025/26 season.
United impressed during their pre-season tour of the United States, but that early optimism quickly faded with an opening-day defeat to Arsenal. A frustrating draw against Fulham and a shock Carabao Cup loss to Grimsby Town only added to the pressure.
Amorim’s first league win came in dramatic fashion, a 3-2 victory over Burnley thanks to a last-minute penalty from Bruno Fernandes.
Since returning from the September international break, however, United have slumped again—suffering a 3-0 derby defeat to Manchester City, edging past a 10-man Chelsea, and losing 3-1 to Brentford—leaving questions mounting over the head coach’s future.
United’s Sunderland tie “very important” for Amorim
Amid United’s 14th place in the league table and a negative goal difference, the club desperately needs to see Amorim score some points on the board and gain momentum heading into October and November’s fixtures.
Next up, the club are set to face Sunderland at Old Trafford, where, although the fans will give their side a positive and encouraging reception, the mood could quickly sour if the side does not perform.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the upcoming fixture has become a “very important” tie for Amorim, with United demanding positive results on the pitch.
“Manchester United want to see results, and so for Rúben Amorim, it is now going to be a very important moment,” Romano said on his YouTube channel.
“Man United — and when I say Man United, I always mention the co-owner, Sir Jim Ratliffe, who really, really wants to be involved, wants to be part of the process and wants to see a reaction on the pitch by the team.
“So he wants to be involved in the process, but Rúben Amorim still has the confidence, a big opportunity for him again against Sunderland. For Manchester United, that is a really important moment on the pitch.”
United have not engaged in meetings with Southgate
One manager with whom the club has been linked lately is former England boss Sir Gareth Southgate, who is known to have a very positive relationship with Ratcliffe.
There were recently whispers of a meeting between Southgate and United’s co-owner, although Romano further clarified that this is false news.
“No meeting with Gareth Southgate, no advanced negotiations with Gareth Southgate,” the Italian continued.
“He’s in a very good relationship with INEOS, but at the moment it doesn’t mean that he’s going to be the new Manchester United manager. So we have to wait, we have to see. At the moment, we have to respect Rúben Amorim and the coaching staff.”
However, reports elsewhere have stated that United have already drawn up a de facto list of possible replacements if a succession plan is needed, with Southgate on this list alongside Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola and Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner.
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