Ruben Amorim knows what Man Utd chiefs think of him as pressure grows ahead of talks

Following a shocking Carabao Cup defeat to League Two's Grimsby Town, the heat is certainly on Manchester Unitedhead coach Ruben Amorim. Many would argue that it's only August, we're just three games into the season, and the club still has some business to sort in the transfer market – but, all the optimism built up in pre-season is fading fast.

The first international break of the season is looming, and the pressure is mounting on Amorim. United must secure a win against Burnleyat Old Trafford on Saturday.

The Clarets are one of the favourites to suffer relegation from the Premier League, so anything less than a victory for United will be seen as a disappointment. Off the back of the embarrassing Grimsby defeat, crunch talks are planned for the Portuguese boss – and he has hinted discussions will take place behind the scenes after the Burnley clash.

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Speaking after their Carabao Cup exit, Amorim said: "Let’s focus on the next game and then we have time to think about things. We have a lot of debts with our fans so let’s focus on the game."

He added: "We have a job to do, a job to prepare and then we’ll stop and think things through."

So, fans may be wondering if Burnley's visit is the make-or-break for Amorim – but he could call in his previous good graces with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

The United chief praised the head coach just months ago, and it is safe to assume this would still be his stance now. Speaking to the BBC in March, Ratcliffe said: "I think Ruben is an outstanding young manager. I really do.

"I think he is an excellent manager and I think he'll be there for a long time."

United have had their fair share of managers since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, leading many to believe that the club should stick with Amorim in the hope he can turn things around. Nearly every United fan agreed that he needed a full pre-season and summer transfer window before they could make a solid judgement.

However, after the manner of Wednesday night's loss on the Lincolnshire coast, questions are being raised about the Portuguese boss just three games into the season.

It seems improbable that United will axe Amorim at this stage, but previous sackings have proven that nothing is impossible in Manchester.

United look to be crying out for stability after numerous years of uncertainty. Amorim was regarded as one of Europe's brightest coaching talents last year and represented United's primary choice to succeed Erik ten Hag last November, suggesting he retains the backing of the club's leadership.

Speaking in the same interview he conducted earlier this year, Ratcliffe added: "I think if you look at the squad he has got at his disposal, with the injury list he has got at his disposal, and he comes in mid-season where he has had no time to train the players in his style of play, I think he has done really well.

"I think you are beginning to see a glimpse of what Ruben can produce."

To Amorim's credit, United have shown flashes of their potential under his guidance. But, with just four victories from their previous 17 matches spanning the summer break, the mounting pressure is proving to be increasingly challenging for Amorim.

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