Ruben Amorim is entering what could be the most defining spell of his Manchester United tenure, with the next three matches expected to determine whether he remains in charge at Old Trafford beyond the international break.
United’s season has begun in stuttering fashion, collecting just four points from their opening four Premier League fixtures to leave them languishing in 14th place.
The underwhelming start has heaped pressure on Amorim, who has now overseen only eight victories in 31 league matches since replacing Erik ten Hag 10 months ago.
The Portuguese coach is believed to still have the backing of the club hierarchy, but senior figures at the club will review his position after this crucial three-game run.
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According to the Daily Express, Amorim must deliver both improved performances and results if he is to keep his job and avoid the sack.
United host Chelsea this Saturday in what already feels like a must-win clash before travelling to Brentford and welcoming newly promoted Sunderland to Old Trafford.
A poor return from those fixtures would almost certainly leave the club’s hierarchy with a decision to make before the break.
Ruben Amorim is under big pressure at Manchester United as Saturday's Premier League clash with Chelsea looms
|PA
The pressure has been building for some time, with United’s 15th-place finish last season their lowest league finish in over half a century.
This year was meant to represent a fresh start under Amorim, but early evidence suggests that many of last season’s problems remain unresolved.
It has been reported that dressing room confidence in Amorim has started to waver, with some senior players questioning his tactical approach and team selections.
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A growing sense of unrest could become difficult to ignore should United fail to collect significant points in the coming weeks.
Adding to the urgency is the fact that the Red Devils' first match after the international break is a daunting trip to Anfield to face reigning champions Liverpool.
A poor run heading into that fixture could leave Amorim with little margin for error – and club executives reluctant to allow a managerial crisis to unfold ahead of one of the biggest fixtures of the season.
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Manchester United made similar assurances to Erik ten Hag over his job before replacing him with Ruben Amorim 10 months ago
| PAWhile United have publicly reiterated their support for Amorim, the club made similar pledges to his predecessor Ten Hag before dismissing him just nine games into last season.
That history is not lost on those close to Amorim, who is aware that his future could hinge on United finding form over the next fortnight.
Potential replacements are already being quietly discussed in the background, with Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner, Fulham’s Marco Silva and Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola all admired by the Old Trafford hierarchy.
Former England manager Gareth Southgate and Mauricio Pochettino – currently in charge of the USA national team – are also expected to be in contention should United make a change.
Oliver Glasner and Marco Silva are on Manchester United's radar to replace Ruben Amorim
|PA
For Amorim, the equation is simple: three positive results could buy him breathing room, but another slump could bring his reign at Old Trafford to an abrupt and early end.
How the situation unfolds remains to be seen.