Man Utd set timeline for Ruben Amorim sack decision as 'escape route' to new club emerges

Manchester United have reportedly set a timeline ahead of a potential decision on Ruben Amorim’s future following the Red Devils’ League Cup exit against Grimsby – and the Portuguese is also linked to a Champions League club.

Amorim, 40, could hardly believe his eyes when League Two Grimsby knocked United out of the League Cup via a penalty shootout on Wednesday evening.

The Lincolnshire side went two goals ahead 30 minutes in before the Premier League side fought back as Bryan Mbeumo scored his first goal since arriving from Brentford earlier this summer, and Harry Maguire levelled things with just one minute to play.

A penalty shootout followed, and against all odds, the League Two side won 12-11, dumping United out of the competition.

The defeat added to the pressure on Amorim, with several coaches, including Michael Carrick, Sean Dyche and Oliver Glasner, in the running to replace him.

Ruben Amorim is under pressure following the 2-0 loss to Grimsby Town. (Image: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

"I am shocked because we are in the moment when we make a lot of changes," Amorim said on ITV after the game.

"We try to fight a lot of things, but then when we have the moments, we need to show up.

"If we don't show up, you can feel that something has to change, and you are not going to change 22 players again."

Despite speculation surrounding his future, for now, his job appears to be safe, according to The Times.

The outlet reports that “Ruben Amorim retains the backing of the Manchester United board and will be in charge for Saturday’s match against Burnley”.

Amorim also reportedly has the “backing of the board” and co-owner Jim Ratcliffe despite his shortcomings since taking charge of United last winter.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe reportedly remains confident in Ruben Amoirm. (Image: Getty)

The Times reports that “Ratcliffe is prepared to give Amorim time to turn things around at Old Trafford. That patience will, most likely, be put to the test in the coming weeks if United continue to struggle to win matches”.

Meanwhile, The Times also claims that Amorim could be offered “an escape route” to Benfica.

During his playing career, Amorim made 153 appearances for Benfica, helping them win three league titles during his nine years there.

However, having spent nearly five years managing fierce rivals Sporting, from March 2020 until he left in November 2024 to join United, it's unclear what reception he would receive from Benfica fans if he were to return.