Ruben Amorim has admitted his position in charge of Manchester United is now “at risk” after losing half of his first ten games in charge.
The Portuguese boss oversaw one lame 2-0 loss away to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Boxing Day, which left the Red Devils languishing in 14th place in Premier League table.
Amorim began his tenure in charge of United with a 1-1 draw at Portman Road home to Ipswich Town before overseeing wins against Bodo/Glimt and Everton. However, the former Sporting CP manager has lost five of his last seven games, including three in the space of seven days either side of Christmas.
This disastrous start has made Amorim the first Manchester United manager to lose five of his first ten games in charge since Walter Crickmer in January 1932. Crickmer was more akin to a club secretary than a manager in the modern sense and enjoyed 39 years of service for the club in a variety of capacities, earning him the nickname 'Mr Manchester United'.
Amorim is trying to extend another 39 days.
“The manager of Manchester United can never be comfortable, no matter what,” the 39-year-old manager told reporters the day after his team's meeting. foggy defeat at Molineux. “You can argue that I've been here a month and had four training (sessions), but we're not winning. That's the reality.”
United lured Amorim away from Sporting – who were unbeaten in all competitions when their talismanic manager resigned in November – at a huge expense. The combination of his eight-figure buyout clause and the hefty package Erik ten Hag was owed following his mid-season sacking amounted to an amount of £21.4 million. However, this financial investment does not leave Amorim feeling more secure.
“I know that if we don't win, regardless of whether they pay the buyout or not, every manager is at risk,” he stressed. “I like that because that's the job.”