Ruben Amorim could be sacked in January after just three months at Manchester United if he loses his next four games.
That is the, somewhat humorous, prediction from former United star Ben Foster who says the Red Devils are ‘absolutely miles off it’.
The sacking of Erik ten Hag and hiring of Amorim in November was meant to mark the turning point of United’s season but so far little has changed.
The Portuguese head coach has lost five of his first 10 games in charge, the most recent of which a 2-0 defeat at relegation threatened Wolves where captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off.
The result leaves the club 14th in the Premier League and while it is acknowledged that Amorim cannot be heavily blamed so early into his reign, it is not a good look for the former Sporting Lisbon boss.
Amorim himself has even stated he could be dismissed if results don’t quickly improve and while that seems unlikely, Foster somewhat jokingly suggested that he could indeed be gone in just a few weeks’ time.
‘Can you imagine if Manchester United sacked another manager before the end of the season?’ the former goalkeeper said on his YouTube channel, The Cycling GK.
‘Look at their next fixtures, on my God. Next game is Premier League at home to Newcastle. Then Premier League away to Liverpool. And then FA Cup away to Arsenal.
‘They could lose all three comfortably. And then the next game is a monster: At home to Southampton.
‘Mark it in your diaries, January 16 it’s El Sackico at Old Trafford!’
Newcastle, Liverpool and Arsenal are currently in the top five of the table and therefore not games United will be expected to win or even get any points from.
Contrastingly, on paper, Southampton at home is the easiest Premier League fixture of the whole season, with the Saints currently bottom having won one of 18 games.
To call the upcoming clash ‘El Sackico’ may be a step too far, especially given that Amorim’s opposite number Ivan Juric has only just arrived at St. Mary’s at won’t be in danger of the axe, yet.
Next Premier League manager to leave odds
Ange Postecoglou – 5/4
Julen Lopetegui – 3/1
Sean Dyche – 9/2
Pep Guardiola – 7/1
Ruben Amorim – 50/1
Odds courtesy of William Hill
Nevertheless, United’s performances must improve and Foster was particularly scathing of two players during the loss at Wolves.
‘They were absolutely miles off it. I was watching it thinking there’s no urgency, there’s no real commitment to the cause,’ he added.
‘The [Fernandes] red card was a symptom of Manchester United’s season. You can’t get three red cards in one season!
‘The final goal – I know it’s last minute and Man Utd are still attacking – but [Manuel] Ugarte is supposed to be this midfield monster, he just gets pushed off the ball, absolutely bullied, nowhere near it.
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.