David Ornstein: Ruben Amorim and Manchester United ‘will be in a world of pain’ with Premier League defeat to Burnley
Updated 30/08/2025 at 13:30 GMT+1
The Athletic's football correspondent joined part of the TNT Sports' pre-match coverage ahead of the lunchtime kick-off between Chelsea and Fulham at Stamford Bridge. He assessed the troubling situation at Manchester United and the long-term future of Ruben Amorim at the club. The Portuguese's role is not under immediate threat, but Ornstein highlighted the importance of a win against Burnley.
Ornstein: Man Utd ‘don’t want to sack’ Amorim but another defeat will bring ‘world of pain’
Video credit: TNT Sports
David Ornstein says Manchester United and Ruben Amorim "will be in a world of pain" if they lose to Burnley at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Amorim is under intense scrutiny after United were sensationally dumped out of the Carabao Cup by League Two Grimsby Town on Wednesday.
The Athletic’s football correspondent joined TNT Sports to say he believes that Amorim’s job is not under immediate threat, but highlighted the importance of a win against The Clarets to ease the ongoing crisis.
United have picked up one point from their opening two Premier League games, losing 1-0 at home to Arsenal before drawing 1-1 away at Fulham.
Ornstein explained that United’s big recent turnover in managers, along with the investment in Amorim, means they will want to give Amorim the longest possible opportunity to turn things around.
Speaking ahead of TNT Sports' live coverage of Chelsea v Fulham, he said: "It's a high-pressure, emotional situation, but the bare facts are that Manchester United do not want to sack Ruben Amorim.
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'Sometimes I hate my players, sometimes I want to quit', admits Amorim
Video credit: SNTV
"I don't think they've had those conversations yet. It's early in the season, they want him to succeed, they've made new signings, they'll want to give it time. I don't see any world in which he walks away from that job and that contract.
"They'll hope to win today and that will calm things down and douse the situation. However, if they lose, they will be in a world of pain. It's Manchester United and, ultimately, this is a results industry, and we know how it works. If this continues, they're in a bad spot.
"I think it's got to a point where they've made so many managerial changes that they'll be looking for the real reasons for this, and with the amount that's been invested in him and in his squad by the executives and ownership at Manchester United, they'll want to continue for him for the time being."
Ornstein on Mainoo and goalkeeper search
Ornstein also assessed Kobbie Mainoo’s situation at the club, with the young midfielder eager to leave on a temporary basis in search of regular football.
Amorim publicly expressed his desire to keep the 20-year-old in his pre-match press conference, and Ornstein says that a departure from Old Trafford is unlikely as things stand.
"Kobbie Mainoo wants to leave on loan, no doubt about it," he added.
"Manchester United do not intend to sanction his departure. You never know if a whopping big transfer offer comes in, it could happen in football, but they'd need a replacement as well.
"It's extremely difficult and there are many clubs that would like to sign Kobbie Mainoo. But at the moment, he's going nowhere. Could they bring in a midfielder? Maybe on loan before the deadline. That's on the recruitment agenda, whether that's now or in the future."
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Amorim tells Bayindir to 'use his hands' after error leads to Arsenal winner
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The goalkeeping position has also sparked plenty of debate, with Andre Onana’s future increasingly coming into doubt.
Altay Bayindir has played in United’s two Premier League games, but has hardly inspired confidence with his performances between the sticks.
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Reflecting on the goalkeeper situation, Ornstein explained: "They definitely want an upgrade. Senne Lammens is a player of interest, but it's not as advanced as people have suggested.
"They've also got an issue there. Can they move on Andre Onana? It doesn't look like it. Altay Bayindir? Possibly. So that's one to watch before the deadline.
"And then it's shifting [unwanted players] with the likes of Antony, Rasmus Hojlund, [Tyrell] Malacia, and seeing if they can balance the books."
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