Overview

• Saturday’s visit of fifth-placed Sunderland is being framed as an immediate gauge of Ruben Amorim’s job security, with Friday’s press conference expected to signal his stance on fighting on or walking away, according to local reporting.
• United’s struggles remain stark, with a 3-1 loss to Brentford following a League Cup exit to fourth-tier Grimsby and a league position reported at 14th.
• Multiple outlets report the club have identified potential successors, with Glasner and Iraola repeatedly linked and Glasner’s deal at Crystal Palace described as expiring at season’s end with an extension viewed as remote.
• Carrick has been touted in reports as a possible interim option and has taken a role as a UEFA technical observer this week, adding to the background noise around the post.
• Amorim told TNT Sport United “need some crazy guys” to change games as he welcomes Amad back after bereavement, Casemiro from suspension and reintegrates Tyrell Malacia, while Hojlund’s Champions League brace for Napoli and praise from Kevin De Bruyne fuel wider recruitment questions.