Ruben Amorim wanted to quit Old Trafford this January after a dismal run in the Premier League - but assurances from club bosses stopped him from handing in his resignation.
It has been a turbulent season at Old Trafford, there’s no doubt about that - and Amorim hasn’t necessarily steadied the ship.
After he was appointed as Erik Ten Hag’s successor in November - the Portuguese did express his desire to wait until the end of the season, but Manchester United were firm, it was now or never - Manchester United have slipped further down the league table.
In the Premier League, Amorim has lost more games than he has won and drawn combined, and has attracted widespread criticism for his side’s performance, although none of that has come from the Manchester United hierarchy.
Ruben Amorim has won just six of his 26 Premier League matches
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In fact, they have maintained their stance that Amorim is the manager to take the club forward, and no matter what the outcome of this season, he will remain in charge.
The tide can still change this season, too, as Manchester United take on Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final on Wednesday evening.
The game promises an opportunity of silverware, the opportunity to battle with Europe’s elite in the Champions League, and a minimum £100million in extra revenue for the victor - there’s a lot on the line.
There is no doubt Amorim has done a good job in Europe to steer such a poor side to a final, but he could have left long before this stage.
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Ruben Amorim has guided Manchester United to their first European final in four years
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It has been reported by ESPN that Amorim was prepared to resign after United’s 3-1 defeat against Brighton at Old Trafford, where the Portuguese was rumoured to have smashed a TV in the dressing room during a rage-induced outburst.
At this point, United had won just one of their previous eight games.
He is said to have felt “disenchanted” with life in Manchester and had to be talked out of the idea by colleagues.
While there was no formal move from Amorim to quit, he required reassurance from senior figures at the club that he would be backed as the man to move the project forward, and would be backed in the transfer window.
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It provides a shocking insight into the club, with Amorim being in the job just two months before considering resigning.
Despite this, Amorim recently refuted any claims that he would quit Old Trafford any time soon.
"I am far from quitting”, the 40-year-old said.
Ruben Amorim promised fans he is 'far from quitting'
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"What I am saying is that since I arrived here, I am always talking about the standards. I cannot see the team having these results, especially in the Premier League, and not say something and take responsibility.
"I have a clear plan of what to do. I understand the problems of the team."
For better or for worse, Amorim took the advice of his peers and continued at United, and could and a dismal campaign with European silverware and Champions League qualification.
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Additionally, his summer has started well, as Wolves star Matheus Cunha has reportedly agreed to join the club for £62.5million, and they currently lead the race for Ipswich youngster Liam Delap.
They will, of course, need further reinforcements, particularly if they are to be in Europe once more, but it suggests a positive start to the summer for the club.
