Only a few weeks ago, updates from within the club painted a far more positive picture. Those familiar with internal discussions were confident Amorim’s position was secure, with the understanding that he was meeting expectations by keeping the team within touching distance of the Champions League places.
That objective has always been central to his remit this season. Even during periods when performances were underwhelming or lacked excitement, United remained competitive and firmly in contention.
However, something now appears to have changed, and now there are talks between high-profile figures at the club to decide how they move forwards - but Amorim’s job security is no longer viewed as guaranteed.
The manager himself is understood to be frustrated. From his perspective, he believes he has upheld his side of the agreement by keeping the side at the top end of the table. The team have improved since his arrival and has remained competitive, despite being disrupted by injuries and international call-ups.
There is, though, a growing sense from Amorim’s side that support from above has not matched his own efforts. He was expecting reinforcements during this transfer window, with midfield recruitment identified as the next priority.
United tried and failed to sign Antoine Semenyo, and there is no sign of any other deals being progressed.
While the club’s top targets may be out of reach, Amorim was at least hoping for renewed efforts to strengthen the squad and give him greater scope for the remainder of the season.
Over the past 10 days, sources say there have been increasing indications that no signings may be made. Although the club continue to monitor various situations, there has been little in the way of concrete progress - further adding to the uncertainty surrounding both the squad and the manager’s future.
After the 1–1 draw against Leeds at Elland Road, Amorim delivered a remarkably candid assessment of his position. He said: “I came here to be the manager of Manchester United - not to be the coach of Manchester United. That is clear. I know my name is not Tuchel, Mourinho or Conte, but I’m the manager.
“It’s going to be like this for 18 months or until the board decide to change. I’m not going to quit, I will do my job until another guy is coming here to replace me.
“Every department, the scouting department, the sporting director, needs to do their job. I will do mine for 18 months and then we move on.”
He added: “If people cannot handle the Gary Nevilles and the criticisms of everything, we need to change the club.”
United power figures will now assess what is best for the club in order to move forward with clear direction and positivity. However, his comments have only intensified scrutiny around his position, and also the club’s position within the January transfer market. Internally, contingency planning is understood to be taking place should the situation deteriorate further.
Michael Carrick has been mentioned as a potential interim solution, given his familiarity with the club and dressing room, while former England manager Gareth Southgate is also admired by some within the hierarchy and remains out of work.
For now, Amorim remains in charge - but the sense of stability that had begun to finally surround his tenure has clearly begun to erode.
