Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United future was the subject of much debate in the build-up to the Premier League clash against Sunderland
Rio Ferdinand was brutally honest about Ruben Amorim(Image: YouTube/Rio Ferdinand Presents)
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand believes Ruben Amorim would have been sacked if his side lost at home to Sunderland.
Amorim, 40, saw his team overcome the newly promoted Premier League side 2-0, courtesy of goals from Mason Mount and Benjamin Sesko. The Portuguese manager has even admitted himself his role will be in danger if he keeps losing.
The United bosses have consistently assured the ex-Sporting manager he remains their long-term choice. However, Ferdinand believes this may not have been the case if United were beaten by the Black Cats.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
£49
£35
Sky
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games this season, an increase of up to 100 more.
Speaking on his podcast Rio Ferdinand Presents, the ex-England captain said: “I think there would have been serious conversations being had if they had not beaten Sunderland. I didn’t want to say it before the game.
“But after the result the previous week, if they had lost to Sunderland, I think it would’ve been a difficult conversation for Ineos to not consider relieving him of his duties.
“He’s got to live another day, that’s what we’ve been talking about, ‘Can you get some results? Can you find some consistency?’
“In an ideal world, performances will be key in that but I don’t think we’re in a position to be worrying about performances, you need to get points on the board, get the team getting momentum and getting up the league.”
Amorim’s side secured a much needed victory against Sunderland(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA, Getty Images)
Speaking after the game, Amorim said: “That is the kind of game where when we’re not playing well we’re defending well. We had our moments, we were focussed and competitive.
“Not the perfect performance. Senne [Lammens] did really well. We were a competitive and adult team today. We need to win these games with a clean sheet.
“Good for us. We need to understand that we need everyone to be ready to play. It’s a long season, we have a lot of problems, anything can happen.
Mount’s goal against Sunderland got the Red Devils up and running(Image: Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images)
“The important thing is that the teammates helped Lammens a lot to have a very good performance.”
He then added: “I know they want to do their best and I know they don’t want to change the coach all the time. But, like I said during this week, to be with the manager is ‘I will kill myself to go in every transition’. We need to show with actions.
“And sometimes when we look at our team I know for sure that when we see the games in the end they know that sometimes we can do better. So, I feel that during the week but we need to show that on the pitch, not just at home but also away.”
Get United transfer news and updates on WhatsApp!
Our team of Manchester United experts are on top of all the goings-on at Old Trafford for this week and beyond, and you can get the latest team news, injury updates, reaction and analysis along with inside information to your phone by joining our new free WhatsApp community. You can also join the 50,000 (and growing!) band of United fans who are following our WhatsApp Channel.
Sign up to our community here, and join our WhatsApp channel here.
—
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.