Man United’s next five matches as Ruben Amorim’s £12m stick or twist deadline approaches

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim may have one more month to save his job at Old Trafford, as the team struggle to put together a string of results in the Premier League

Ruben Amorim may have just one more month to improve his Manchester United’s performances and avoid the axe.

It was previously reported that the Red Devils might postpone Amorim’s departure due to the substantial severance package he would be entitled to.

Amorim, who was signed from Sporting for £9.2million, earns £6.5m per year as part of a two-and-a-half-year contract. According to the Daily Mail, United would have to pay out £12m if they were to sack the 40-year-old before he completes a year of service.

Considering he joined on November 1 last year, this could potentially be the timeframe Amorim has to demonstrate his value or face being sacked. This is because the Portuguese’s compensation package would decrease if the board were to dismiss him after this date.

In the coming weeks, United have two home games at Old Trafford and three away matches against teams currently in the Premier League’s top five. The first match is against newly promoted Sunderland, who have been performing exceptionally well since their return to the top flight.

At the beginning of the season, the Black Cats might have seemed like an easy opponent. However, they’ve only lost one out of six games so far, with wins against Brentford, West Ham United, and Nottingham Forest.

Draws against an undefeated Crystal Palace and Aston Villa have placed them fifth in the Premier League table – and while Old Trafford was once considered a fortress, Regis Le Bris’ squad will be hopeful of causing an upset on their visit.

A challenging journey to Anfield awaits after the international break on October 19, with the league leaders having secured five victories and suffered just one defeat domestically this campaign. Despite recent setbacks against Palace and subsequently Galatasaray in the Champions League, United supporters will harbour little optimism about the prospect of travelling to Merseyside so early on.

Brighton come to visit next, and this could represent the solitary fixture Amorim might approach with some assurance. The Seagulls have a balanced record in the Premier League and are in 10th, having drawn with Tottenham and lost to Bournemouth in September.

Their commanding 3-1 triumph over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, albeit against 10 men, might signal concerning signs regarding their potential away performances. However, Amorim will anticipate the supporters rallying behind him for that encounter.

Following that are two away fixtures, one at Nottingham Forest and another to Tottenham, which could very well represent the ultimate test for the United manager. When questioned about whether he can still reverse fortunes in Manchester following a 3-1 loss to Brentford, Amorim said: “It’s like ups and downs.

“When you win, you feel that everything, the momentum is there. When you lose, you go back to the same place and you fight again for one win that can help you to create the momentum.

“Guys, I’m always doing my job. If I win, I’m in a different state of mind. That is normal. I’m always confident because I know what to do.”

Manchester United’s next five games

Sunderland (H) – Saturday, October 4 at 3pm

Liverpool (A) – Sunday, October 19 at 4:30pm

Brighton and Hove Albion (H) – Saturday, October 25 at 5:30pm

Nottingham Forest (A) – Saturday, November 1 at 3pm

Tottenham Hotspur (A) – Saturday, November 8 at 12:30pm

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