Amorim told exactly what he needs to do by Sir Jim Ratcliffe to avoid MU sack

Ruben Amorim is now feeling the pressure to succeed after receiving the Manchester United board's full backing in the transfer market this summer, and Sir Jim Ratcliffe seems to have added to the heat

Ruben Amorim has reportedly been given a stern warning that his job hinges on securing European football for Manchester United. The Portuguese coach hasn't had the smoothest start at Old Trafford, leading United to a disappointing 15th-place finish in the Premier League last season after taking over from Erik ten Hag.

Adding salt to the wound, United also failed to clinch the Europa League trophy, which would have guaranteed their spot in this season's Champions League, making their narrow 1-0 loss to Tottenham in May's final even more bitter.

Despite receiving the board's support and a full pre-season tour to ready his squad for the new season, Amorim's poor form has continued into 2025/26.

The 40-year-old has only managed one victory in the first four matches, coupled with an embarrassing Carabao Cup defeat to League Two side Grimsby Town last month.

While the board have assured that they're not considering sacking Amorim just yet, it is reported that he has been given a clear directive by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

According to talkSPORT, the United co-owner visited Carrington on Thursday and told Amorim that performances on the pitch need to improve.

Ratcliffe reportedly believes that Amorim's current squad has the potential to secure a top-five finish this season, even though Champions League football isn't an explicit goal for 2025/26.

However, it's understood that Amorim has been tasked with securing some form of European competition by the end of the season.

Amorim seems to have taken a laid-back approach following his meeting with Ratcliffe, responding with a hint of humour when asked about their behind-the-scenes discussions, reports the Manchester Evening News.

During Friday's pre-match press conference, he quipped: "He offered me a new contract. No, it was normal things just to show the support, explain it's a long season.

"This is a club with more pressure maybe than any in the world. Last year I was very critical of the way we played. Now I think we are playing well until the [penalty] boxes. We need to be more clinical. We are in a better place compared to last year but we need to win."

United are heading into Saturday's showdown with Chelsea at Old Trafford on an inconsistent run of form. The club suffered a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal on the Premier League's opening weekend, before managing a 1-1 draw with Fulham the following week.

Amorim seemed to have hit his stride with a 3-2 win over Burnley before the international break, only to suffer a 3-0 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium at the weekend, where Phil Foden and Erling Haaland shone. The task ahead is daunting as United prepare to host Chelsea, who have been in impressive form under Enzo Maresca this season, remaining unbeaten in the league with two victories and two draws.

However, morale may be low in the Chelsea squad after their 3-1 Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich on Wednesday, while United have had the benefit of a full week to address any issues from their previous match.