Man United make Ruben Amorim sack decision ahead of Tottenham Europa League final

Manchester United are expected to keep Ruben Amorim as head coach next season even if they lose the Europa League final against Tottenham, it has been claimed.

Amorim has endured a mixed time at Old Trafford since arriving from Sporting CP and replacing Erik ten Hag in November. The Portuguese has won just six and drawn six of his 25 Premier League matches in charge - a run that has seen them drop down to 16th in the table.

Overall, United have lost 17 league games this season - the most defeats they have accumulated in a top flight campaign since 1973/74 (20), when they were relegated to the second tier.

The Reds have just 39 points from a possible 108, and are fortunate that the bottom three - Ipswich Town, Leicester City and Southampton - have been poor and are so far cut adrift.

However, it's not been all doom and gloom for United since Amorim has arrived. In the Europa League, United have been excellent, and are in the final against Tottenham on Wednesday, May 21.

United have not suffered defeat in Europe's second tier competition this season, winning nine and drawing five of their 14 fixtures across normal time. After finishing third in the league phase, United have since progressed past Real Sociedad, Lyon and Athletic Club to reach the final.

There has been talk that, considering their dire Premier League form, Amorim could face the sack if United lose the Europa League final against Spurs and are denied Champions League football next season.

But, according to The Guardian, that is not the case and Amorim will keep his job regardless of the result against Ange Postecoglou's side in Bilbao. The United board feel that Amorim deserves the summer transfer window to improve his squad and sign players more suited to his system.

Amorim has targeted Ipswich's Liam Delap and Wolves' Matheus Cunha as part of his rebuild. However, United have got to raise funds to afford the duo, with Delap's release clause standing at £30million, while Cunha's is £62.5m.

Following Sunday's 2-0 defeat against West Ham, Amorim spoke about his future and hinted he could walk if results and performances do not improve.

"I'm talking about myself, I’m talking about the culture in the club and the culture in the team," he said. "We need to be really strong in the summer and be brave. We will not have a next season like this if we start like this. If the feeling is still here we should give space [his position] to different persons."

He added: "It's mentally. We are not scared of losing a game as Manchester United. We don't have that fear any more and that is the most dangerous thing that a big club can have."

Tottenham, meanwhile, are in a similar position to United. In fact, Postecoglou is facing the pressure with Spurs down in 17th, one place and one point below United following Sunday's dismal 2-0 loss against Crystal Palace.

It has been claimed that Spurs will part ways with the Australian regardless of the result in Bilbao next Wednesday.

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