Man Utd news: Manager talks that led to sacking as Ruben Amorim signing 'lonely'

 Ruben Amorim finds himself under intense scrutiny at Manchester United with the club still struggling to meet expectations under the Portuguese coach. Despite high hopes following his appointment last year, poor results and performance have led to growing calls for change from fans and pundits alike.

A recent 2-0 victory over Sunderland at Old Trafford has provided some relief, marking the team's third consecutive home win before the international break. The result has temporarily eased the pressure on Amorim, particularly with his side showcasing glimpses of the tactical prowess that earned him the job.

However, United currently sit in 10th place in the Premier League table, a position that falls well short of the club's ambitions for a top-four finish. Alarming defeats to Manchester City, Brentford and League Two minnows Grimsby Town have also left a bad taste in the mouth.

Additionally, the Red Devils are winless on the road this campaign, and their only victories have come against two promoted teams and a Chelsea side who spent most of the match with 10 men. With last season's record-low 15th-place finish still lingering, United fans will be desperate for their side to start building momentum once the domestic season resumes.

However, that might be easier said than done with a trip to Liverpool coming this Sunday. Here, Mirror Football runs through the latest Manchester United news.

Manager sack talks

Almost a year ago, Erik ten Hag was given his marching orders at United after a poor start to the new season. Despite the club's rotten run - United were 14th in the league at the time - the Dutchman was reportedly left completely in the dark about his impending sacking, with crunch talks taking place at Carrington, United's training ground in the lead-up to the fateful day, October 28, 2024.

Ten Hag had survived a potential summer dismissal after winning the FA Cup, even earning a one-year contract extension and over £200million in new signings. However, amid a run of just one win in eight games, the decision was made swiftly, with the sacking described as a "walk-the-plank moment" that underscored the club's volatile decision-making under Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

This historical uncertainty mirrors the current pressure on Amorim, who's facing a similarly-tense battle to keep his job after underwhelming in his first year at the helm. Recently, Ratcliffe admitted Amorim had "not had the best of seasons," but also hinted at affording the coach patience.

"He has not had the best of seasons," Ratcliffe said during a recent appearance on The Business Podcast. "Amorim is a good guy. I would say Ruben needs to demonstrate that he's a great coach over three years. "That's where I would be - three years - because football is not overnight. Look at Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, he had a miserable time the first couple of years."

Just as Ten Hag received backing before his abrupt exit, Ratcliffe's recent comments, giving Amorim time to prove himself, echo the fleeting support his predecessor experienced this time last year, hinting at potential upheaval if results don't improve.

Sesko looking 'lonely'

Manchester United's £66m summer signing Benjamin Sesko endured a frustrating afternoon during Slovenia's World Cup qualifier against Switzerland on Monday. The game ended 0-0, extending Sesko's international goal drought to a full year.

The 22-year-old forward, who, after a slow start at Old Trafford, has netted two goals in his last two United matches, was described as "lonely" by the Slovenian press due to minimal service from team-mates.

Ekipa newspaper rated Sesko 6.5 out of 10, quipping that he might have been "singing that 20-year-old Akon hit - Lonely," after he sent his only chance wide while being isolated for most of the game. With Slovenia holding just 34 per cent possession and prioritising defending, Sesko was forced to track back, managing only 31 touches, one off-target shot, and no successful dribbles.

Slovenia manager Matjaz Kek highlighted the team's lack of "bloodlust" in attack, indirectly pointing to Sesko's struggles amid poor support. Despite positive defensive contributions like five ball recoveries, Sesko's outing underscores challenges in translating his club form to the national team, especially as Slovenia risks missing the 2026 World Cup.