Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has conceded he has considered walking away from Old Trafford, admitting his turbulent emotions towards his players have tested his resolve during a troubled start to the season.
Amorim’s candid reflections followed United’s shock League Cup second-round exit to fourth-tier Grimsby, a penalty shootout defeat that intensified scrutiny on the 40-year-old just nine months into his tenure. In a cryptic post-match interview, the Portuguese coach declared “something has to change,” fuelling speculation over his long-term commitment.
United had already begun the campaign slowly, losing to Arsenal and drawing with Fulham in the league, before the Grimsby debacle compounded the sense of crisis. The defeat arrived in the wake of last season’s dismal 15th-place finish—the club’s lowest top-flight standing since 1973–74—which Amorim was hired in November to reverse.
Ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with newly promoted Burnley, Amorim acknowledged his frustrations but insisted he remains focused on the task of reviving United’s form.
“Sometimes I hate my players, sometimes I love my players,” he admitted on Friday. “Sometimes I want to quit, sometimes I want to stay here for 20 years. That’s my way of working—I react with emotion. I was frustrated after Grimsby, but now I’m focused on the next game.”
Amorim’s honesty has divided opinion. While some see his passion as refreshing, others fear his public swings in mood signal instability at a club in need of steady leadership. He acknowledged the criticism:
“I know people expect me to be calmer with the media, but I won’t change. Sometimes it’s not just the result, it’s how we lose—when the basics, the small details, aren’t there. That’s what frustrates me.”
The former Sporting Lisbon manager admitted he briefly contemplated leaving after the Grimsby defeat but said those thoughts have since subsided. He framed his challenge as one of maintaining consistency in both performance and temperament.
United’s poor start is particularly damaging in light of their summer outlay. Backed by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Amorim spent close to £200m reinforcing the attack with Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, and Matheus Cunha. Yet the returns have been underwhelming, and United remain without European football this season after their Europa League final defeat to Tottenham.
Amorim himself admitted he expected stronger progress:
“We had a good pre-season, we played with consistency, and I felt things were improving. That’s why Grimsby was such a disappointment—it wasn’t just losing, it was the way we lost. But now we have another chance to put things right.”
Despite mounting pressure, Amorim reportedly retains the backing of Ratcliffe for now. However, Saturday’s trip to Burnley could prove pivotal. Another setback would not only deepen doubts over his leadership but also risk destabilising a squad still adjusting to major tactical and personnel changes.
Amorim remains a highly regarded young coach, but his candour, volatility, and inconsistent results have made his start in English football far more turbulent than anticipated. For both him and United, the coming weeks could determine whether his tenure represents a long-term rebuild—or an experiment cut short.
