LOOKING GRIM FOR AMORIM

Ruben's at point of no return as he heads for Ten Hag-style exit

- DAVID McDONNELL

DURING Manchester United's summer tour of the US, Ruben Amorim freely admitted he had used up any credit he had in the bank last season.

Despite leading United to 15th place, their worst Premier League finish, and losing the Europa League final to Tottenham to miss out on Europe, Amorim retained the backing of the United hierarchy and the club's fans.

Against that backdrop, the Red Devils boss knew he could not afford a poor start to this season.

But four points from four games and a chastening 3-0 defeat at Manchester City in Sunday's derby (below, right) has added credence to the growing belief that his time at Old Trafford may soon be up.

Amorim, who refuses to change his controversial 3-4-3 system, despite the ongoing failure of his players to successfully adapt to it, has won just eight of his 31 Premier League games since taking over from Erik ten Hag 10 months ago.

On that evidence alone, his appointment has been an unmitigated disaster, with the continued backing from those in charge at United now looking like it is founded in hope, rather than any firm expectation that the Portuguese head coach will, in time, turn the situation around.