Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has publicly acknowledged the pressure facing manager Ruben Amorim ahead of the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur, underscoring the high stakes as the Red Devils aim to secure European football for next season.
Despite the club’s precarious position in the Premier League—16th place after a run of just two points from their last eight matches—the Old Trafford hierarchy continues to show confidence in Amorim, who is tasked with steering the club through one of its most challenging periods in recent history.
The Europa League final, set for Wednesday in Bilbao, represents more than just a chance at silverware. Victory over Tottenham would guarantee Manchester United a spot in next season’s Champions League and safeguard around £100 million in revenue.
A defeat, conversely, would mark only the second time since 1990 that United would miss out on European competition, raising concerns about the club’s long-term prospects.
Amid mounting speculation about Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou’s future—widely believed to be at risk regardless of the final’s outcome—Amorim’s own job appears secure. The Portuguese coach himself remains somewhat baffled by the apparent disparity in treatment between managers across the Premier League.
Asked about the pressure he faces, Amorim was interrupted by Fernandes with a grin: “He is. Who told you he is not?” The exchange highlighted the internal acknowledgment of the challenge, but also a united front between the club’s captain and coach.
Amorim responded, addressing his counterpart with a hint of humor and seriousness: “He wants my job. He’ll be a very good coach but he has to work on his mindset. He doesn’t know how to deal with people.”
The manager elaborated on the unusual situation at United, remarking: “It’s strange because you have some coaches here that lose some games and they are sacked… it’s hard to explain. I think people see what we are trying to do. Sometimes I’m thinking more about the club than myself.”
Behind the scenes, the club’s leadership shares this view, recognizing that Amorim is driving important changes across the board. These changes, he explains, are not confined to tactics or matchday decisions but extend to training routines at Carrington, recruitment policies, and the youth academy.
“There are a lot of things we need to change,” Amorim said. “The way we do everything during the week at Carrington, the recruitment, the academy. It is hard to point to one thing and it will not be solved by winning the cup.”
While United’s recent performances in the Premier League have been disappointing—they have only managed to beat Fulham among the non-relegated clubs since December—the club remains hopeful that Amorim’s reforms will build a stronger foundation for future success.
The upcoming Europa League final is thus viewed as both an immediate opportunity and a litmus test for the club’s direction. A win could alter perceptions of Amorim and the squad, showing progress despite league struggles.
Conversely, a loss would bring financial and sporting challenges but, according to insiders, would not necessarily signal an end to Amorim’s tenure.
For now, Manchester United’s focus remains fixed on Wednesday’s final and the chance to secure Champions League football, with Fernandes and Amorim publicly united in their belief that the long-term vision for the club is still intact.
