Manchester United’s struggles deepened on Saturday as Ruben Amorim’s side suffered a 3-1 defeat at Brentford, leaving the Portuguese manager under mounting pressure. The loss marked United’s third defeat in just six Premier League games this season, raising fresh questions about Amorim’s future at Old Trafford.
Brentford punished United’s defensive lapses early, with Igor Thiago scoring twice in the first half. Benjamin Sesko, a summer signing from Leipzig, briefly restored hope with his first United goal before half-time. But Bruno Fernandes saw his penalty saved by Caoimhin Kelleher in the second half, and Mathias Jensen sealed the result in stoppage time, as Brentford fans taunted Amorim with chants of “you’re getting sacked in the morning.”
How is Amorim Handling the Pressure at Manchester United?
Amorim admitted he will not shy away from criticism, saying: “Ups and downs, when you win you feel the momentum is here. When you lose you go back to the same place and fight for the one win that can help you to create the momentum. I am always doing my job. If I win I’m in a different state of mind, but I am always confident because I know what to do.”
The United boss stressed that his focus remains on preparing the team for the next match rather than protecting his own position. Despite over £250 million spent on signings like Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo, United’s early-season form remains poor, compounded by losses to Arsenal, Manchester City, and even a shock League Cup exit to Grimsby.
Can Amorim Survive United’s Growing Crisis?
Amorim was reportedly given backing from co-owner Jim Ratcliffe in recent weeks, but that support may be waning after yet another disappointing result. Since arriving from Sporting Lisbon to replace Erik ten Hag, Amorim has struggled to lift the club out of its long-running slump that has lingered since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013.
Reflecting on the performance, Amorim admitted United failed to impose themselves: “The penalty in the second half changed things, but we never settled down. Possession and control of the game was never there, so we lost. We need to work on a lot of things… we played the game of Brentford, and when you play the opponents’ game, it is harder to win.”
With pressure growing, Amorim’s future now hangs in the balance as United search for momentum in what already feels like a defining season.
By Yockshard Enyendi