Exclusive: Back Ruben Amorim in the Market – or Risk Another Collapse, Warns Man Utd Legend McIlroy

Manchester United great Sammy McIlroy believes under-fire boss Ruben Amorim deserves the chance to have a chance in the transfer market to turn around the club’s failing fortunes.

United have suffered their worst-ever Premier League campaign, languishing in 15th place. 

An alarming 18 defeats in the league has done little to ease the pressure on Portuguese manager Amorim – and defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final, only served to pile more misery on the club’s disgruntled supporters.

But McIlroy, who enjoyed a distinguished decade-long career at Old Trafford, is adamant the club need to back Amorim and give him the chance to try and repeat some of the fine success he enjoyed at former club Sporting CP.

“It looks like we’re going to have to sell – and sell big to get new players in next season,” stressed McIlroy, speaking exclusively to SportsBoom.com. 

“That might mean selling good players for Man Utd so we’re better off in the future."

“Players like [Kobbie] Mainoo and [Alejandro] Garnacho have been mentioned, so some supporters will be thinking: hang on, these are young boys and we can build the club around them."

“But at the end of the day you’ve got think the profit and sustainability rules now and how that impacts the club and what business we do."

“And for me this manager deserves a decent chance in the transfer market, I really do."

“He’s come in mid-season and he deserves that chance."

“OK, he’s got a system he likes to play and he’s sticking to that system, so then if you’re going to keep him then the club have to back him."

“You’ve got to say ‘how much do you need?’, but the big question for me is who is going to buy the players he’s going to make available."

“There’s not many clubs out there who can pay the wages that we’ve been paying. That’s going to the problem.”

WAGE HURDLES

England forward Marcus Rashford was loaned to Aston Villa this season and commands a hefty wage, as does winger Jadon Sancho, who was loaned to Chelsea.

And Amorim will also have to make a decision on winger Antony, who was loaned to Real Betis in the January transfer window.

Following defeat to Spurs long-serving defender Luke Shaw questioned whether many of the current players were “good enough to play for Man Utd” and some long-overdue soul-searching was needed get the club back on track.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes hinted his future might lie away from United, while defender Diego Dalot admitted the players were “hurting” having let the club’s loyal fans down this season.

Passion and pride to wear the famous Man Utd shirt has been one of the big criticisms of the current squad, qualities McIlroy – who played 419 times and scored 71 goals for the club – just can’t fathom.

“Every game is important for Man Utd, whether it’s Premier League or cup football, it always has been,” added McIlroy.

“You should not be asking players for 100 per cent effort or pride for playing for Man Utd, that should come naturally."

“Asking players for that shouldn’t even be on the agenda. Players should be proud to play for a club like Manchester United."

“I’m not saying these players are not proud, but the league never lies, there’s something that’s gone wrong in the Premier League this season."

“I look at it and I think ‘what has gone wrong?’ I speak to a lot of fans and they say the players are not giving 100 per cent. And they’re entitled to those opinions."

“At the end of the day football is all about opinion, but it should never be a question about giving everything, it’s Man Utd, one of the greatest clubs in the world."

“Every game, even if it’s a friendly, the players should be giving everything.”