Is Ruben Amorim repeating Enzo Maresca's story?

Ruben Amorim has suggested that the connection between him and Manchester United's executives has worsened over the past period.

Ruben Amorim bluntly dismissed any possibility of making signings in the January transfer window, just two days after the market opened. The Portuguese coach's cryptic answers have fueled speculation that a serious rift has emerged between him and Manchester United's upper management regarding personnel plans.

Known for being open during press conferences, Amorim this time refused to elaborate on his Christmas Eve comments about his preferred football philosophy. At that time, he said: “My feeling is that if we want to play a perfect 3-4-3, we need a lot of money and time. I'm gradually realizing that won't happen. So, maybe I have to adapt.”

When asked if sporting director Jason Wilcox was blocking his transfer targets, Amorim replied curtly: “I don't want to talk about that. You're smart, so...” Amorim's response was seen as a message for the media to interpret on their own.

Manchester United currently sits sixth in the Premier League, level on points with Chelsea, but the situation at Old Trafford could quickly turn grim due to a personnel crisis. Poor recent form, combined with injuries to key players like captain Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount, and Kobbie Mainoo, has left Amorim nearly out of options.

Additionally, United are missing the Africa Cup of Nations trio Bryan Mbeumo, Amad, and Noussair Mazraoui, along with experienced defenders Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt due to injuries. In the disappointing 1-1 draw against Wolves, the average age on Manchester United’s bench was just 20, featuring many youngsters dreaming of their Premier League debut.

It is known that Amorim has had discussions with the club’s leadership this week, partly explaining his irritable mood. Short-term midfield options like Ruben Neves are currently off the table for January. Instead, United have identified long-term targets and are ready to sign a “blockbuster” midfielder in the summer.

The difficulty in securing new signings in January also makes it hard for United to offload players amid speculation over the futures of Joshua Zirkzee, Manuel Ugarte, and Mainoo.

“Looking at the current squad, it’s impossible to let anyone go. But I guess they need to talk to Jason,”Amorim implied.

During Christmas, Amorim admitted he had to accept not having ideal signings to operate his favored 3-4-3 system and was forced to adjust. He switched to a back four against Newcastle, which helped Manchester United win 1-0 and keep their first clean sheet in nearly three months. However, returning to a three-center-back formation against Wolves caused frustration.

Tensions between the coaching staff and upper management are escalating ahead of a risky away match at Elland Road. While Manchester United have won only 3 of their last 10 matches, Leeds remain unbeaten in 6 games, including impressive home wins against Chelsea, Crystal Palace, and a draw at Anfield in the new year.

If Amorim continues to drop points against Leeds, things will worsen, especially given that Enzo Maresca was just sacked by Chelsea. A case with many similarities, where contract termination resulted from disputes with club owners. The former Leicester coach had previously hinted at a fractured relationship with Chelsea’s management.