Rio Ferdinand blasts “immature and stupid” question surrounding Rúben Amorim amid Manchester United job threat

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has defended Rúben Amorim following “immature and stupid” questions surrounding the head coach’s future.

Rúben Amorim’s first three months at Manchester United have been anything but straightforward since taking over from Erik ten Hag.

Appointed in mid-November with United struggling in 13th place in the Premier League and managing just one win in the Europa League, the 40-year-old set out to steady the club and implement his vision.

There have been flashes of promise, including impressive away victories over Arsenal and Manchester City, but inconsistency remains a major issue. Under Amorim, United have won 10 of their first 21 matches, losing nine and drawing two.

Off the pitch, the challenges have been just as demanding. Three senior attackers left on loan during the winter transfer window without replacements coming in, while Lisandro Martínez and Amad face the prospect of missing the rest of the season with injuries.

However, there have been positives. United strengthened at left wing-back with the signing of Patrick Dorgu, while 18-year-old centre-back Ayden Heaven has arrived as a promising addition for the future.

Ferdinand hits back after “immature” Amorim question

United are sat 15th in the Premier League table, with Amorim having lost eight of his opening 14 Premier League games at Old Trafford.

Speaking on a recent episode of his podcast, former United centre-back Rio Ferdinand answered questions from viewers, with one asking how many further losses it would take for Amorim’s job to be called into question.

However, Ferdinand refused to answer, branding that type of question “immature and stupid” considering the mess of the club the 40-year-old joined.

“His record (in the Premier League), I’ve got it here, is 14 matches, 4 wins, 2 draws, 8 losses, scored 16 goals and we’ve got 23 against. It’s poor,” Ferdinand started.

“It’s a terrible record and I don’t think he ever would have dreamed that would have been the thing when he walked through the doors at Old Trafford. So I think he’s as much on the back foot and start as everybody else but I think to put a game, a number of games, that will suggest whether he gets it on, keeps his job or not, I think is immature and stupid, ridiculous.

“Like I said, I think patience is the key and you’ve got to give him that time. My only thing would be is if we got relegated, then you’d have to think, you’d have to really consider that.”

United’s upcoming fixture list is tough

Amid the talk of relegation, United sat 12 points above 18th-placed Ipswich, many fans are in agreement that United only need to get enough points to stay in the competition and focus on trying to win the Europa League and possibly FA Cup.

Read More: Rio Ferdinand hits back at “tasteless” Jamie Carragher following recent commentary incident

However, the United legend did admit that he is worried about United’s upcoming fixture list that includes trips to Newcastle, Bournemouth, and Chelsea, while Arsenal and manchester City are yet to visit Old Trafford.

“We’ve just looked at the fixture list, and I’m not seeing outright wins,” he said. “I’m not looking at that going, there’s three points there guaranteed, we’ll chalk that off. That’s my problem.”

Away from the Premier League, United are set to welcome Fulham to Old Trafford in the fifth round of the FA Cup, while their Europa League knockout opponents are yet to be confirmed after finishing 3rd in the league stage of the competition.

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