Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has assured fans he is not planning to leave the club this summer, but acknowledged his job will be on the line if the team’s poor form continues.
Amorim confessed he was “embarrassed” to be at the helm after United suffered their 17th defeat of the Premier League season against West Ham United at the weekend, admitting everyone at the club either needs to take steps towards improving things or make way for somebody else who can.
Behind the scenes, it is believed that Amorim’s position is not under any immediate threat, with United officials keen to support the head coach in this summer’s transfer window even if he fails to lead them to Europa League glory against Tottenham Hotspur.
Asked to clarify his words ahead of Friday’s Premier League meeting with Chelsea, Amorim confirmed he does not plan to quit but conceded United could soon be forced to make a decision on his future.
“What I’m saying is that since I arrived here I’m always talking about the standards,” he told his pre-match press conference. “I cannot see the team having these results, especially in the Premier League and not say nothing and not take the responsibility.
“It’s just that I have a clear idea what to do. I understand the problems of the team, so I’m not – I’m far from quitting. What I’m saying is that we need to perform and, we have this season and in the future we need to perform or else they will change us. That is normal thing.”
Defeat in the upcoming Europa League final, which would represent a huge blow to the club’s finances and summer transfer plans, will only ramp up the pressure on Amorim’s shoulders and the boss admitted things need to turn around soon if he is to avoid being sacked.
“It is going to be really tough and the patience of the fans and you guys [the media] next year if we don’t win it is going to be on the limit,” Amorim said. “We would have to be perfect to continue with everything. I know that. So it’s not going to be better in that way.
“For sure, if we don’t win [the pressure will increase] that is clear, but I am not concerned about that.”
