Ruben Amorim set for Man Utd sack if he fails to do what Sir Jim Ratcliffe's demanded

Ruben Amorim has reportedly been given a stern warning that his job hinges on Manchester United's qualification for European football. The Portuguese coach has had a rocky start at Old Trafford, leading United to a disappointing 15th-place finish in the Premier League last season after taking over from Erik ten Hag.

Adding salt to the wound, United also failed to secure the Europa League trophy, which would have guaranteed their spot in this season's Champions League, making their narrow 1-0 loss to Tottenham in May's final even more bitter. Despite receiving the board's support and a full pre-season tour to ready his squad for the new season, Amorim's poor form has continued into 2025/26. The 40-year-old has managed just one victory in the first four matches, coupled with an embarrassing Carabao Cup exit at the hands of League Two side Grimsby Town last month.

While the board have announced they're not considering sacking Amorim just yet, it is reported that he has been given a clear ultimatum by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. According to talkSPORT, Ratcliffe visited Carrington on Thursday and told Amorim that the team's performance needs to improve.

It is also reported that Ratcliffe is convinced that Amorim's present squad possesses the ability to secure a top-five position this season, although Champions League qualification is not an official target for 2025/26. Nevertheless, it is understood that Amorim has been given expectations to earn a place in some form of European competition before the campaign concludes.

It seems as though Amorim has adopted a laid-back approach following his discussions with Ratcliffe, responding with a hint of wit when questioned about what transpired during their private talks. He joked during Friday's pre-match press conference: "He offered me a new contract.

"No, it was normal things just to show the support, explain it's a long season. This is a club with more pressure maybe than any in the world.

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"Last year I was very critical of the way we played. Now I think we are playing well until the [penalty] boxes. We need to be more clinical. We are in a better place compared to last year but we need to win."

United approach Saturday's encounter with Chelsea at Old Trafford following an inconsistent spell of results. The club endured a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal on the Premier League's opening weekend, before securing a 1-1 stalemate with Fulham the following week.

Amorim seemed to have hit his stride with a 3-2 victory over Burnley before the international break, only to suffer a 3-0 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, where Phil Foden and Erling Haaland shone. The task ahead is daunting as United prepare to host Chelsea, who have been in impressive form under Enzo Maresca this season, remaining unbeaten in the league with two victories and two draws.

However, morale may be low in the Chelsea camp after their 3-1 Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich on Wednesday, while United have had the benefit of a full week to address any issues from their previous match.