Man United news as Ruben Amorim deadline emerges and Sir Jim Ratcliffe 'makes Nice decision'

Manchester United are in crisis after a nightmare start to the season, with Ruben Amorim under huge pressure to keep his job while Sir Jim Ratcliffe makes a major decision

Manchester United's dire situation is showing no signs of improvement.

Despite a hefty investment of over £200million in new signings this summer, the club is yet to see any major improvement. The Red Devils most notably suffered a shock second-round Carabao Cup exit at the hands of League Two side Grimsby Town, followed by a 3-0 drubbing in last weekend's Manchester Derby.

Ruben Amorim was essentially given a free-pass by fans and critics last season, despite guiding the club to their worst ever Premier League finish in 15th place and losing the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur. But even with the arrival of fresh talent, Amorim's fortunes have not taken a turn for the better.

He now holds the unwanted distinction of having the lowest win percentage of any permanent United manager since World War II, following an 18th defeat in his 47-game tenure on Sunday.

Amorim is under immense pressure ahead of Saturday's showdown with Chelsea at Old Trafford. With rumours of a potential dismissal swirling, we bring you the latest news surrounding the struggling head coach and club.

Ratcliffe 'to sell club'

According to French outlet Ici, United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has put OGC Nice up for sale. Ratcliffe and INEOS purchased Nice for a sum of £89m (€100m) in 2019, sparking initial optimism among fans that their financial backing would help the club become serious contenders in a domestic league long dominated by Paris Saint-Germain.

However, that dream hasn't materialised, with Nice failing to climb beyond fourth place under INEOS' ownership. Rumours intensified regarding Ratcliffe's desire to sell the club in March this year, when the billionaire confessed to The Times that he didn't particularly enjoy watching Nice because the standard of football wasn't "high enough" for him to become excited.

He also acknowledged that Nice's best campaign was last season, when INEOS were forced to embrace a more laissez-faire approach due to multi-club ownership regulations, admitting: "They've been so much better without our interference!"

It's now been reported that Ratcliffe has placed Nice on the market, with the aforementioned report indicating Sir Jim is seeking £173m to sever ties with the French outfit.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos have been contacted for comment on the situation.

Amorim sack 'deadline'

Manchester United might delay sacking head coach Amorim, even if they know he isn't the suitable candidate to guide the team through to the end of the season. The Portuguese penned a two-and-a-half-year deal with the Red Devils less than 12 months ago on a salary of £6.5m-per-season.

His agreement also features a 12-month extension clause, having been rushed into the role after United paid Sporting £9.2m to release him from his contract. And, according to the Daily Mail, the club would need to directly compensate him £12m if they dismiss the 40-year-old before he reaches one year in the job.

His coaching team could also be in line for a pay-off. That might lead Ratcliffe and INEOS to delay any decision to sack him until after 1 November, when his payout would decrease, potentially resulting in significant savings.

The next three matches against Chelsea, Brentford and Sunderland could essentially be Amorim's last opportunity to save his job. Meanwhile, Ratcliffe will be keen to save money, given the club has already spent an astonishing £54m in compensation on the five managers they've dismissed since Sir Alex Ferguson left.

Mainoo's Newcastle links

In other news, Newcastle are reportedly monitoring Kobbie Mainoo's situation and may make a bid for the midfielder in the January transfer window. Eddie Howe, according to talkSPORT, is known to be a fan of the player.

Mainoo, 20, was keen to leave United ahead of transfer deadline day after losing his starting place under Amorim. However, the Red Devils prevented their academy graduate from completing a potential £50m move to Napoli, where Scott McTominay has flourished since leaving the club.

The youngster was once again left on the bench during Sunday's 3-0 defeat in the Manchester Derby. That will have only increased his frustrations after playing just 73 minutes in the Premier League this season, despite being a regular starter under previous manager Erik ten Hag.

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