Amorim could be sacked if Man Utd lose to Sunderland in EPL – Paper Talk
The top stories and transfer rumours from Saturday’s newspapers…
THE TELEGRAPH
Ruben Amorim could be sacked if Manchester United lose to Sunderland on Saturday.
Ange Postecoglou is fighting for his Nottingham Forest future and facing a potentially pivotal game at Newcastle United on Sunday.
England are in talks with Sale Sharks to bring highly rated Byron McGuigan on board in time for the autumn internationals.
The R360 rebel breakaway league has been dealt a major blow after the world rugby players’ union refused to endorse the competition or any contracts offered to its members.
DAILY MAIL
The mood among the Manchester United hierarchy has changed since the defeat at Brentford last weekend, and a number of players have lost faith in Ruben Amorim’s ability to turn the season around.
Crystal Palace are showing interest in highly rated AZ Alkmaar prospect Kees Smit.
Eddie Howe has revealed he would “love” to have Elliot Anderson back at Newcastle, labelling the midfielder a “precious” talent.
Christian Horner has been in touch with “pretty much” every team since he was sacked by Red Bull in July, according to Aston Martin team principal Andy Cowell.
MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS
Manchester United’s resolve to keep Bruno Fernandes is set to be tested in January’s transfer window.
THE ATHLETIC
Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa’s preference was always to stay at Anfield this season despite interest in the 27-year-old Italian from clubs in his homeland.
THE I
Incoming Newcastle director of football Ross Wilson will be tasked with reviewing the club’s summer transfer business when he begins the role at St James’ Park.
THE INDEPENDENT
PGA of America chief executive Derek Sprague will apologise to Rory McIlroy and his wife Erica after the European team were subjected to abuse at the Ryder Cup that “crossed the line”.
Adidas has unveiled its official match ball for next summer’s World Cup and claimed the Trionda’s new technology will enable faster offside decisions and help identify handball offences.
Amorim Walking a Tightrope: Crisis Game Looms Against Sunderland
Saturday’s newspapers are awash with speculation that Rúben Amorim’s job might be on the line if Manchester United fail to beat Sunderland. The Telegraph leads its headlines with a bold claim: “Ruben Amorim could be sacked if Manchester United lose to Sunderland.”
The mood among the United hierarchy is reportedly shifting. After a poor start to the 2025–26 campaign — only a handful of league wins, defensive frailties, and a humiliating EFL Cup exit to Grimsby — patience is wearing thin.
Amorim himself has acknowledged the danger in blunt terms. He admitted it would be “naive” to assume he’ll remain safe if results don’t improve, stating:
> “We understand we need results to continue the project … we will reach a point that is impossible for everyone.”
While he appears resolute publicly, insiders suggest the board (especially Sir Jim Ratcliffe) is monitoring the situation closely. Some reports indicate that even if United lose to Sunderland, a dismissal might not be immediate — instead, the club might wait for a window to facilitate a smooth change.
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Dampening Voices: Is a Sack Unlikely Even With a Loss?
Not all pundits believe a one-game loss would be sufficient grounds for a firing. Sports Illustrated, for example, cites sources claiming that the top brass intend to give Amorim time, regardless of the result at Sunderland.
Their argument hinges on several factors:
The squad is undergoing a rebuilding phase, and drastic changes mid-season can backfire.
Amorim was brought in with a mandate to pursue a long-term vision; pulling the plug too early may undermine that strategy.
Ratcliffe is viewed as the ultimate decision-maker, and reports suggest he may want to let Amorim run the season before making a verdict.
So while the narrative of “must-win or bust” makes for compelling press, behind closed doors the approach might be more measured.
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“Must-Win” or Media Pressure?
The “lose and you’re out” framing fits neatly into the sensationalism of tabloids and sports editors. The Sky Sports “Paper Talk” page states plainly:
> “Ruben Amorim could be sacked if Manchester United lose to Sunderland in Premier League”
The Daily Mail and Manchester Evening News echo similar themes: the mood is reportedly souring in the club, faith in the manager is wavering, and if results don’t turn, the knife might come out.
Often, such “sack threats” are not expressions of board intent, but rather pressure tactics — a way for media, fans, or internal factions to push the narrative that the club must act if things deteriorate further.
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Boardroom Heartache & Financial Risks
One complicating factor is the cost of dismissing Amorim. Multiple sources report a clause in his contract would require a severance payout in the region of £12 million if he is sacked before certain dates.
That financial burden reportedly makes immediate action more difficult. Some insiders believe the board is reluctant to trigger a dismissal until after November 1, when the payout might be lower or the contract terms more favorable.
Meanwhile, whispers from inside the club suggest some senior players have lost confidence in Amorim’s ability to reverse the slump — particularly given recent defensive errors and inconsistent results.
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Replacement Speculation & Succession Plans
If the club were to move quickly, bookmakers and media are already speculating on who might fill the void. Gareth Southgate has emerged as a fan-favourite candidate in many outlets.
Other potential names mentioned include:
Oliver Glasner, currently at Crystal Palace
Andoni Iraola, a rising figure from Bournemouth
The possibility of internal options or interim caretakers has also been floated.
One article notes that even co-owner Joel Glazer may have a voice in the decision, but Ratcliffe is seen as the key arbiter.
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The Crucial Sunderland Match & What It Signals
For Amorim, Sunderland is now framed as a litmus test. A defeat would intensify criticism, likely embolden factions pushing for his removal, and increase media pressure. But unless the board is united in wanting to act immediately, the decision may still be delayed.
From the club’s perspective, managing an exit mid-season would be messy — disrupting continuity, unsettling players, and risking further instability. Yet, staying the course amid clear poor form also risks long-term damage.
In short: the weekend’s result could be pivotal — either a reprieve or an accelerant.
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