Manchester United cannot afford to sack Rúben Amorim this season, even if the poor form continues in the coming weeks.
Many saw Rúben Amorim as the man to take Manchester United back to the top of the Premier League, but the poor start to the season has fans seriously worried.
The Manchester derby was a disgraceful performance, and it could have been forgiven if United were impressive in other games, but they have yet to be convincing in victory.
United must improve fast if Amorim isn’t to come under serious pressure, but that won’t be easy without Matheus Cunha, Diogo Dalot and Mason Mount, with Lisandro Martínez also out injured until the end of October.
However, even if United continues to lose games with poor performances. Sir Jim Ratcliffe may stick by Amorim with the latest financial news.
Ratcliffe can’t afford another early dismissal
With the financial reports for last year now published, it has been revealed that job dismissals – including Erik ten Hag and Dan Ashworth – cost United over £36 million.
While this eventually helped reduce the overall losses by £80 million, Ratcliffe can’t afford another expensive dismissal if he wants to spend money in the January transfer window.
The Mail revealed that it would cost United £12 million to sack Amorim if they choose to before his first anniversary as Red Devils manager, which looks increasingly likely if results do not improve.
This would take the total losses in sackings to £48 million in less than two years, which is a new world-class centre back in the current transfer market, or just under half of the money needed to sign Carlos Baleba.
If INEOS decide Amorim needs to leave the club, it could seriously restrict them in the next summer transfer window, especially if players who joined this summer want to leave as well.
Amorim may have to consider a tactical change
While Amorim has made it clear in the past that he doesn’t want to change his formation, he may have to consider it if he wants to keep his job at Old Trafford.
Against Manchester City, the midfield two were exposed by City’s box-midfield and the current system simply can’t account for so many players in the middle of the park.
However, if Amorim reverts to more of a 4-4-2 without the ball, then United could sit in a mid-block and focus on making themselves difficult to play through.
This would create space on the counter-attack for United’s dynamic players – Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Šeško, Amad and more – to break and create chances. The formation could stay the same in possession, but it must change without.
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