Manchester United’s meeting with newly promoted Sunderland at Old Trafford on Saturday carries the weight of a defining moment in Ruben Amorim’s early reign.
The Portuguese coach walks into his 50th game knowing the outcome could shape his future at the club.
United have lost three of their six league matches this season, including a damaging 3-1 defeat at Brentford that left them 14th in the table with only seven points.
Sunderland, back in the Premier League after eight years, have collected 11 points from their opening six fixtures under French coach Regis Le Bris.
The Black Cats’ four-game unbeaten streak has seen them beat Nottingham Forest, Brentford, and earn draws against Crystal Palace and Aston Villa.
United, unbeaten in their last 24 league encounters against promoted teams, must deliver to calm growing unrest.
Amorim’s future hangs by a thread as ownership patience wears thin
According to Telegraph Sport, If United suffer another defeat in their final game before the international break their trip to Anfield to face Premier League leaders Liverpool could put the patience of co-owners Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazers under severe strain.
United’s hierarchy are weighing their options amid concerns that several players have lost belief in Amorim’s methods.
His record of 34 points from 33 league games ranks among the lowest for any top-flight coach during that span.
The club would need to pay about £12m [$16m] in compensation if they dismissed him within his first year, but finances will not dictate decisions.
United’s early exit from the Carabao Cup and absence from Europe have already hit revenues hard, making victory against Sunderland critical to steady the season and restore faith in Amorim’s leadership.