I was stunned by Ruben Amorim comments - Manchester United sack decision feels inevitable

Back me or sack me. Ruben Amorim has dropped subtle hints of discontent over the past months, but he turned things up a notch with his comments after Manchester United drew with Leeds at the weekend.

The Portuguese head coach has been unhappy with interference from above during his first full season at the club and believes he does not have the autonomy he deserves in the role. It stems down to discontent over both transfers and tactics, two issues that have plagued his tenure.

Amorim previously claimed money was available if United wanted to add to their squad this month, but his recent comments suggested a U-turn with 'no conversations' underway to add to their squad in the January window. United had initially indicated they would back Amorim this month, but the club has no interest in finding short-term solutions to their issues and must decide before they back him at the end of the season or not.

There has also been internal pressure for Amorim to explore a different tactical approach, given their continued struggles with a back three under the Portuguese boss. He changed to a back-four for the recent victory over Newcastle but has since reverted to his favoured 3-4-2-1 formation for draws with Wolves and Leeds. In his opinion, the tactical approach should be his ultimate responsibility.

Amorim might feel he does not have the power to be a success in the role of 'manager', but ultimately, his job title is that of 'head coach' with a responsibility to oversee training and produce results on the pitch, rather than lead on transfers, tactics, and leadership. He should have known that when he agreed to take the job.

Amorim reiterated he would 'not quit' his Old Trafford position after the Leeds draw, but he won't have any choice if United decide to pull the plug on their fractured relationship. The 40-year-old has never held back with his emotions and will always speak his mind. It is both a blessing and a curse for the board that he will often take the blame, but now he appears to be blaming others for their continued inconsistency on the pitch.

The issue for United is that to sack Amorim would be a huge admission of failure, but to keep him any longer might do more damage. He is the man they put so much on the line to hire, while Dan Ashworth paid with his job for the reservations he had over the appointment. It is also worth noting United internally targeted a top-six finish this season, they are still on course to achieve that.

Amorim has challenged the board to back him or sack him. One of those seems more likely at the moment.

Manchester United player ratings: 'Tireless' 8/10 but 'smart' star was unsung hero in Leeds draw - gallery