Manchester United’s January business included more outgoings than incomings with Marcus Rashford’s departure the most high profile move at Old Trafford.
The 27-year-old joined Aston Villa on a loan deal in the final days of the window with United failing to replace the forward and leaving Amorim with just four attacking players in his first team squad.
Amorim’s side have been underperforming since his arrival in Manchester with their struggles in front of goal a major reason behind the poor form.
Now, having left Rashford go, United are gambling on Amorim finding a formula that will somehow see the penny drop with his forward line in order to salvage something from what has been a wretched campaign to date.
Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson believes it was a huge mistake to let Rashford leave the club and Amorim’s job could well hang in the balance as a result.
Speaking on Sky Sports News, Merson claims Amorim is “running out of ideas” and “struggling badly” at Old Trafford. Merson believes sanctioning the Rashford deal could end up sealing his fate as United head coach.
“What he’s done with the Rashford situation is mind-blowing. His job is on the line at this rate.
If Rashford gets 10 goals in 10 games – and Manchester United carry on the way they’re playing – then the board will be asking the question: ‘What are you doing?’” he said.
The former England international then backed Rashford to perform at Villa and doubled down on his view that Amorim could be out of a job if Rashford shines in new surroundings and his team continues to disappoint.
“I think he can come back (to form). It could end very badly for Amorim – he would be under severe pressure if they keep playing badly and Rashford starts ripping it up at Villa. He won’t be the Manchester United manager for long!” he said.
Merson concluded by saying he believed Rashford has an “unbelievable opportunity” under Unai Emery’s tutelage and United have taken a “huge gamble” in allowing the move.
After another dour display in front of home support at the weekend, United will attempt to shake off the Crystal Palace defeat by securing progression into the 5th round of the FA Cup this Friday, against Leicester City.
Rashford meanwhile, will be hoping for his maiden minutes in Claret and Blue with Villa hosting Tottenham Hotspur in the same competition on Sunday.
Feature image Michael Regan via Getty Images
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Conner Botterill
Conner Botterill has been with The Peoples Person for two years. A keen match-going red with degrees in Sport and Journalism and Philosophy and Psychology, Conner still believes he has a chance of making United’s first team through his 5-a-side career.
