Jamie Carragher’s Theory About Why Man United Haven’t Sacked Ruben Amorim Yet

Jamie Carragher has described Ruben Amorim’s time as Manchester United manager as a “disaster” and shared a theory as to why the Portuguese has not yet been sacked.

Amorim is the odds-on favourite to be the next Premier League manager to leave his post after his side were beaten 3-1 at Brentford on Saturday.

That result — Amorim’s 19th defeat in 49 games as United boss — left the Old Trafford outfit 14th in the Premier League after six rounds of fixtures.

United finished the previous campaign 15th and, according to Opta, are 125 times more likely to be relegated than to win the title this term.

Nevertheless, the 40-year-old remains in charge, for now at least, but former Liverpool defender Carragher believes it is not a case of if but when United will sack Amorim.

What did Jamie Carragher say about Ruben Amorim?

Speaking on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, Carragher argued that United’s board have been reluctant to act because they are embarrassed by past mistakes.

“I think he’s still in a job because the powers-that-be have made so many mistakes that they almost don’t want to admit right now they’ve made another,” Carragher said.

“This has been a disaster for Amorim and United. The quicker they make a decision on the manager we are only waiting for the inevitable. This has to end as quickly as possible.”

Carragher went further, insisting that any competent Premier League coach could improve the situation.

He added: “I think every other Premier League manager would think, ‘I could do a better job.’ The only positive is they haven’t gone all out for his system. Any competent football manager could get United to the European places or certainly fighting for them. It couldn’t have gone any worse.”

The ex-defender acknowledged Amorim’s achievements at Sporting Lisbon — where he won three Primeira Liga titles playing his beloved 3-4-3 formation — but suggested his methods were a poor fit at Old Trafford.

Carragher is not alone in his concerns. Fellow Sky pundit Gary Neville recently admitted that United’s players look unconvinced by Amorim’s tactical approach.

On his podcast, the former United captain said: “I felt for the first time, just through instinct, watching it on the television, seeing players’ faces and body language, that there might be an element of players really doubting the system and what’s going on.”

Neville highlighted Mason Mount’s use in an unusual position as evidence of tactical confusion. “You can’t put Mason Mount at left wing-back,” he declared. “I’m sorry, it just can’t happen.”

Who could replace Ruben Amorim at Man United?

If United do act, several names are already being linked with the job.

Former Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez is among the frontrunners in the betting, while Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner — another advocate of the 3-4-3 system — and ex-England manager Gareth Southgate have also been mentioned.

What next for Man United?

Amorim’s United host Sunderland in their final game before the international break. Failure to beat the Black Cats — who sit nine places above them in the table — could well be the final straw.

If Amorim survives that assignment, his next match will be a trip to Anfield to face Liverpool on October 19.