Manchester United are reported to be maintaining faith in Ruben Amorim despite growing calls for his dismissal. The club were beaten 3–1 by Brentford last weekend, and a defeat to newly promoted Sunderland, who have risen as high as fifth in the table this season, would increase scrutiny on the Portuguese manager.

Journalist Laurie Whitwell outlined the current thinking within United’s hierarchy on The Athletic’s Talk of the Devils podcast, describing sustained support from Sir Jim Ratcliffe. He said: “I think it’s a big match, I certainly think that Ruben Amorim needs a positive result. They beat to Sunderland, don’t they, who have been pretty good so far this season,” he said. “…from speaking to people that even if they lost to Sunderland, I don’t think it would be the end for Ruben Amorim.

“I think Sir Jim Ratcliffe is the ultimate decision maker on this really. He would take recommendations from Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox, and the Glazers certainly have a voice on this as well, Joel Glazer in particular I’d imagine would have an opinion, but Ratcliffe is the one to decide really and I’m told [Ratcliffe] wants to give Amorim the full season.

“It’s a new squad, to a degree, and him trying to get his methods across even more, so we can debate whether that’s the right choice or not but that’s the current messaging from the very top with Sir Jim Ratcliffe.”

Much of the criticism of Amorim has centred on his use of the 3-4-2-1 formation. He has largely held to that system, reportedly warning club officials they would have to sack him if they wanted something different, though he admitted this week that he may need to be more flexible.

Defender Matthijs de Ligt has insisted the formation is not to blame, and summer signing Bryan Mbeumo has called on team-mates to shoulder more responsibility for poor displays, arguing the problems are not down to Amorim. There has been less sympathy from Wayne Rooney, who admitted he has “no faith” in Amorim to reverse the decline.

A range of potential successors has been mentioned in the media, with Xavi and Oliver Glasner among those linked to the job if it becomes available.

Kobbie Mainoo favoured a loan move to Napoli this summer after signalling a desire to leave Manchester United, sources reported, though his preference could shift if Real Madrid enter the market. Having logged just 190 minutes for United this season, Mainoo is expected to renew his push for a temporary exit in January.

Napoli remained interested in the England international and were reported to have been his first-choice destination during the summer window. A move to the Serie A champions would offer Mainoo the opportunity to rejoin former United teammates Scott McTominay and Rasmus Højlund, both of whom have found more playing time away from Old Trafford.

Mainoo’s prospective availability has attracted wider attention, with Real Madrid among clubs tipped to consider a bid should he be made available. Madrid manager Xabi Alonso is understood to be seeking a deep-lying midfielder after the departures of Toni Kroos and Luka Modrić over the past year. While high-profile names such as Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández and Rodri are seen as ideal targets, there is recognition that a more pragmatic signing may be necessary.

Atlético Madrid have also been mentioned as potential suitors, a scenario that connects to Conor Gallagher. United made a Deadline Day approach for Gallagher but were unsuccessful; the midfielder remains linked with a move away from the Metropolitano after falling down the pecking order. There have been no signs that a swap involving Mainoo has been contemplated.

Reports indicate that interest in Gallagher during the summer was not directly tied to Mainoo’s situation. United had prioritized a move for Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba but withdrew once informed of a reported £100 million price tag. The club is likely to renew their pursuit of Baleba in 2026, a development that could influence how United handle Mainoo going forward.

Manchester United have emerged as a leading suitor for Juventus striker Dušan Vlahović, with sources describing the club as “at the forefront” of those exploring a January move. Competition remains from both English and European rivals, with Chelsea also credited with interest.

Vlahović stayed at Juve after rejecting offers over the summer, but Gazzetta dello Sport reports he has been made available for sale in 2026. The striker is understood to be Juve’s No. 9 and is thought to be Serie A’s highest-paid player, on an annual salary of €12 million (£10.5 million, $14.1 million).

With his contract running toward expiry in June, Juventus have lowered their price expectations. There is talk that a fee in the region of €10–15 million could be acceptable in January, given the alternative of allowing him to leave on a free transfer at the end of the season. Offloading six months of Vlahović’s wages would also be seen as a significant financial relief for the club.

United invested in excess of €230 million during the summer window on a revamped frontline, the centre piece being Benjamin Šeško. Despite that expenditure, Ruben Amorim’s ailing outfit have scarcely enjoyed a considerable uplift in results, even if the underlying attacking numbers offer more encouragement.

Juventus strengthened their forward ranks by signing Loïs Openda and Jonathan David over the summer, leaving them with a surplus of strikers. That recruitment could force Juve to retain Vlahović until his contract expires.

Abroad, Bayern Munich are reportedly considering Vlahović as an affordable target next summer, according to BILD. The Bavarian club’s interest is linked to wider speculation over Harry Kane, who has been repeatedly connected with an exit in 2026 and is expected to be available for €65 million because of a clause in his contract.

The coming months are likely to test Juventus’ willingness to accept a reduced fee and United’s appetite to add another forward to a frontline already heavily bolstered in the summer.