Ruben Amorim’s job security is set to be a hot topic of discussion at Manchester United despite Ineos backing him because the results have just not been good enough.
Ineos hitched their wagon to Ruben Amorim as he was their first major decision at Man Utd, and that is reflected in their staunch backing of the Portuguese manager.
However, at some point, the results will become untenable, as they already have for many Man Utd fans, which is when Ineos will have to buckle.
Fabrizio Romano has reported the latest on Man Utd’s managerial search, prospective candidates having a good relationship with Ineos, and a bold claim for Xavi.
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It is not a position anyone thought Amorim would be in after just six league games, but the Brentford loss was a huge step back.
Amorim could at least point to the general level of performances being something to build upon until the 3-1 loss, where everything went wrong.
As such, the noise around his future has increased, and with an ominous international break ending with a game against Liverpool, the clock is ticking uncomfortably.
Fabrizio Romano, speaking on his YouTube channel, reported the latest on links to Gareth Southgate.
He said: “Gareth Southgate has a very good relationship with Ineos. He’s very appreciated by people at the club. That is why the link is always there between Man Utd and Southgate.
“What I can tell you is that there are no active talks for Southgate to become Man Utd manager as of now. But these stories are because of his good personal connections with Ineos people.
“If United want to change, it will be more than just Southgate. They liked Roberto de Zerbi, who’s doing a fantastic job at Marseille.”
Romano makes bold Xavi claim
Another name linked to Old Trafford has been that of Xavi, known for his attractive attacking football and championing of youth players.
Romano said that Xavi is a candidate for Al-Ittihad, who recently sacked Laurent Blanc, but he could well be waiting for a call from Man Utd.
Romano said: “I can guarantee to you that Xavi is studying the Premier League. He is monitoring the league and would do immediately to Man Utd.
“Even without any European football, he would go immediately to Premier League with Man Utd. He would love that opportunity.
“So the Al-Ittihad situation can have an effect on Man Utd.”
It’s clear that the vultures are circling around Amorim after repeated poor results, and even though Ineos are holding their nerve, the situation needs to be protected before it becomes untenable.