Regarding the Status of Amorim's Managerial Position
The feeling within Manchester United is still one of support for Rúben Amorim, so he has the backing of the club's board of directors. However, this is Manchester United—if you have 3 or 4 poor games in a row, things can obviously change very quickly.
“From my understanding of United's senior hierarchy, they believe they have built a good enough team to secure European qualification next season in the worst-case scenario, while their best-case scenario is competing for a top 4 or top 5 finish and a Champions League spot next season.”
“According to my sources, I'm not entirely sure if United's view of Amorim is the same as Graham Potter's situation at West Ham United. There are still 3 games left between now and the October international break, and the club believes results must turn around in some way; otherwise, there will be another management change.”
“I do think that, whether in the short or medium term, if Manchester United fails to finish in the top 5 or top 6 this season, Amorim will come under pressure.”
Regarding Amorim's Tactical System
Some players feel that a more direct connection is needed between the manager and the squad, and they believe Amorim needs to step out of his comfort zone more. However, senior players have also spoken to the team in the dressing room, stating that it's not just a matter of the system or the manager— the players themselves have not performed well either.
Regarding Benjamin Šeško's Situation
I think this is Šeško's first season at Manchester United, and given the fact that Mason Mount and Matheus Cunha are injured, he needs some time to adapt. Then, of course, André Onana is not currently the club's first-choice goalkeeper, but it's expected that he will become so sooner or later. So there's a sense that Amorim still deserves a bit more time to build this project.
Regarding Amorim's Potential Successors
The club will always have elements of a succession plan in place for Amorim, as that's what well-run clubs do.
“I don't think it will be Michael Carrick or... José Mourinho. Those are not the names I've heard. Many of the names they admire date back to the original process when they hired Amorim, but they are certainly looking at other managers—among them is Gareth Southgate, who was widely reported at the time. I don't yet know if he is ready to dive back into club management, but we know he has definitely been discussed, and this is something Jim Ratcliffe is pushing for.”
“Names including Oliver Glasner, Marco Silva, and Thomas Frank—though he has already moved to Tottenham Hotspur—were all part of the process drawn up the first time (when Amorim was hired) after sacking Erik ten Hag. Even Luis Enrique was discussed, but obviously he is very happy at Paris Saint-Germain. So I think United has a long list of managers they are looking at, because at that time they were still building their sports structure, so there were inconsistencies in the recruitment process.”
Regarding Manchester United's Financial Issues
Figures in the financial report show that United's previous staff cuts cost the club as much as £36.6 million, which also includes the sacking of Erik ten Hag and sporting director Dan Ashworth. The total number of club employees has been reduced from 1,122 to approximately 700. In the 12 months ending June 30 this year, the club's net loss dropped to £33 million, a significant decrease from the £113.2 million loss in the previous fiscal year. The Telegraph believes this is largely due to the elimination of approximately 400 positions.
Last season, Manchester United failed to qualify for the Champions League and recorded its lowest league finish in 51 years, which led to a nearly £50 million plunge in broadcasting revenue.
Nevertheless, Manchester United still recorded its highest-ever revenue last season, at £666.5 million. This was driven by record commercial revenue (up 10%), growth in matchday revenue (up 16.9%), and a reduction in operating costs. The substantial increase in commercial revenue came partly from the kit sponsorship deal with Snapdragon and partly from the launch of the club's new e-commerce model. Due to missing out on the Champions League, players accepted a 25% pay cut, and United's wage bill also decreased by £51.5 million to £313.2 million.
