Rúben Amorim is believed to have considered resigning in January

Rúben Amorim is reported to have seriously contemplated resigning from his position as Manchester United manager following the team’s 3-1 home defeat to Brighton on January 19, during matchday 22 of the Premier League.

At the time, United were in the midst of one of their worst runs of form in recent years five defeats, two draws, and just a single win in eight games had left the club languishing in mid-table, far from their ambitions of qualifying for the Champions League. According to a report by ESPN, Amorim was not only deeply frustrated with the team's performances, but also doubted whether he still had the capacity to turn things around within the demanding environment of Old Trafford.

The loss to Brighton, played at a restless and tense Theatre of Dreams, proved to be the breaking point. Fans jeered the players off the pitch, and the atmosphere within the club had reached a boiling point. Amorim, known for his calm and methodical demeanor, was visibly shaken. Sources close to the dressing room described him as unusually silent during the match and deeply introspective in the hours that followed. It’s believed he considered stepping down as a way of taking responsibility and giving the club a chance to reset before the season slipped entirely beyond salvage.

Behind the scenes, however, the Manchester United hierarchy was not ready to let go of their Portuguese coach. Omar Berrada, the newly appointed CEO brought in to lead the club into a new era of stability and competitiveness, reportedly held immediate crisis talks with Amorim. According to those familiar with the situation, Berrada delivered a strong message of support, assuring Amorim that he retained the full confidence of the board and, crucially, that of club owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Ratcliffe, who had only recently taken a controlling stake in football operations at the club, is believed to be a long-time admirer of Amorim’s tactical acumen and leadership qualities. His vision for Manchester United includes patience and structural rebuilding a stark contrast to the managerial instability of previous years. Ratcliffe reportedly told Berrada to "do everything necessary" to keep Amorim at the helm, seeing him as a central figure in the club’s long-term project.

The vote of confidence from the top was enough to keep Amorim in place but the emotional toll of the Brighton defeat was undeniable. According to several sources, the manager delivered one of the most forceful post-match speeches of his tenure, openly criticizing the team’s attitude and lack of discipline. In a moment of frustration rarely seen from the usually composed coach, Amorim reportedly struck a dressing room television one typically used for tactical analysis and pre-match briefings. The outburst, while shocking to some players, was seen by others as a raw display of passion and commitment, showing that the manager was still deeply invested in the project.

In the days that followed, Amorim reportedly met individually with senior players and coaching staff to reassess the team’s approach and rebuild morale. Training sessions intensified, and tactical drills were revamped. The manager also asked the club’s analytics department to prepare detailed performance reports, aiming to identify the underlying issues behind the team’s defensive lapses and lack of cohesion.

His continued presence appeared to stabilize the club internally, even if results didn’t immediately turn around. In the following weeks, performances began to improve slightly, although inconsistency remained a theme. United picked up a few important wins but continued to struggle against top-half teams, leaving fans divided about whether Amorim could truly lead the club back to its former heights.

Still, within the boardroom, support for Amorim has persisted. Club insiders believe that while the results haven't yet reflected it, a cultural shift is taking place behind the scenes one focused on long-term planning, youth development, and a clear tactical identity. The belief is that the club must break with the pattern of reactionary decision-making and give the manager the time and structure he needs to succeed.

As the season enters its final stretch, Amorim remains under pressure to show tangible progress, especially with the summer transfer window approaching. However, his near-resignation in January now stands as a pivotal moment a crisis narrowly avoided thanks to firm backing from the top and a manager who, despite moments of doubt, chose to stay and fight.

Whether that decision will prove right in the long run remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Rúben Amorim's passion, even in frustration, has left no one in doubt about his dedication to Manchester United.