Manchester United head coach, Ruben Amorim has acknowledged that he is “fighting for his job” in the second half of the season.
The Manchester United coach admitted that the club has taken “a risk” with their lack of attacking reinforcements during the January transfer window.
Amorim, who took charge in November, has suffered seven defeats in 13 Premier League games, including five losses at Old Trafford.
Ruben Amorim, . (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
While there has been no indication from the club hierarchy that his position is under immediate threat, the 40-year-old believes United’s poor form means that everyone is under pressure.
“We are fighting for our jobs until the summer,” Amorim told reporters ahead of United’s FA Cup tie against Leicester City on Friday (today).
The Portuguese coach has been visibly frustrated on the sidelines in recent weeks as United continue to struggle for consistency.
He admitted that taking the job midseason—without the ability to make significant squad changes—was always going to be a major challenge.
“I know when I choose this profession that you have the risk of results, and I knew when I came here, I look at the schedule, I look at the team, and I understood my decision of changing everything in the middle of the season without new signings—it is a danger for a coach,” he said.
“But since day one, with good results or bad results, I have a clear idea of what I want to do, and I take these risks because in the end, I think it’s going to pay off.”
“I’m not naive, I said that many times—this is a sport of results, and we are in a difficult situation.”
United’s Transfer Business: A Calculated Risk
Harry Maguire appears dejected at the end of the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Crystal Palace FC at Old Trafford. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
United’s lack of business in the January transfer window has been a major concern for fans, particularly given the club’s struggles in front of goal.
While defenders Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven arrived, United allowed attackers Antony and Marcus Rashford to leave, further weakening an attack that has already been underperforming.
Amorim admitted that the club’s cautious transfer approach is a risk, but insisted it was part of a long-term plan.
“It was my decision to do that,” Amorim explained. “We are taking some risks, but it’s the way we want to proceed.”
“We want to win some games, we can improve our team, we will have time to train—because I’m always complaining about the time to train—so now we have time to train, and the team will improve.”
“The players, I want a certain type of player with a different profile, and we are changing right away.”
On Rashford’s Departure
Marcus Rashford signs on loan for Aston Villa pictured with Damian Vidagany and Monchi at Bodymoor Heath training ground. (Photo by Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)
Amorim’s press conference on Thursday was his first since Marcus Rashford’s loan move to Aston Villa was confirmed.
The United boss has faced repeated questions about the England international over the past month and was relieved to no longer have to address the situation.
“Thankfully, about Marcus, he is in Birmingham now with Unai, so you can take these questions to another coach,” Amorim joked. “We are just focused on our players.”
Despite the mounting pressure, Amorim remains determined to turn things around, but he knows that results must improve quickly if he is to keep his job beyond the summer.
