United back Amorim despite historic Grimsby humiliation

WEB DESK: Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim continues to have the backing of the club’s ownership despite a humiliating Carabao Cup exit to League Two side Grimsby. The midweek defeat, United’s first ever loss to fourth-tier opposition, intensified scrutiny over the Portuguese manager’s future, particularly after his own downbeat comments suggested he might be questioning his position. However, BBC reports that the club insist the hierarchy remain committed to Amorim, stressing that his tenure was always seen as a long-term project rather than one judged on a handful of poor results.

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United have invested heavily in Amorim, spending around £200 million on attacking players this summer. Ongoing transfer negotiations could see Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, and Rasmus Højlund depart, with the club mindful of avoiding the short-termism that saw Erik ten Hag backed financially in 2024 only to be sacked within months. Still, the Grimsby upset prompted blunt criticism, including from Wayne Rooney, who said the defeat highlighted something “not right” within the team. Rooney suggested Amorim’s harsh words about his players revealed deeper issues and reflected the pressures of managing United at just 40 years old, far removed from his experience at Sporting and Braga.

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Amorim’s admission that the side were “completely lost” raised eyebrows among fans and players alike. Some at Old Trafford interpreted his remarks as a sign he might be near breaking point — a narrative fuelled by past reports he once considered resigning. Rooney noted that the job may be taking its toll, calling Amorim’s comments “damning” and questioning whether United’s dressing room remains fully aligned with their manager.

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The timing of the crisis is challenging. United face Burnley this weekend, followed by a daunting run against Manchester City, Chelsea, and Liverpool. The manner of the Grimsby defeat also left questions over selection and decision-making: goalkeeper André Onana’s costly error, midfielder Kobbie Mainoo’s subdued display, and Benjamin Sesko’s decision to take the last penalty despite suffering cramp all drew criticism.

Rooney also warned that United’s instability under Amorim could deter future managers from taking on the role, highlighting how far the club has fallen since Sir Alex Ferguson’s era. While he insisted United will eventually recover, he admitted it is painful to watch the current malaise. Comparing Amorim’s side with his own, Rooney lamented the loss of United’s trademark relentlessness and intensity, arguing that without change, the club risks further decline.

Saudi Pro League eyes younger fans worldwide

The Saudi Pro League (SPL) has renewed its partnership with global sports marketing firm IMG for another four years, reinforcing its ambitions to grow international visibility and attract younger, digitally engaged audiences.

Since IMG assumed media rights responsibilities in 2023, the SPL has seen rapid expansion, with matches broadcast in over 184 countries through 43 international platforms. Major partners include ESPN in Africa, DAZN in France and the DACH region, FOX Sports across the Americas and Caribbean, Movistar in Spain, Globo in Brazil, and Sportitalia in Italy. The league has also launched collaborations with French streaming platform ComoTV and content creator Zack Nani to strengthen its digital reach among younger fans.

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IMG’s Middle East and North Africa vice president Roland Nikolaou said the extension reflects the SPL’s rapid rise, noting that its global profile has been “significantly enhanced” through expanded distribution, production, and storytelling.

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In addition to media rights, IMG signed a five-year production deal in 2024 covering the SPL, King Cup, and Saudi Super Cup, deploying advanced technologies from its UK-based studios. The renewal highlights Saudi Arabia’s strategy to elevate its football ecosystem, positioning the SPL as a central pillar of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 transformation agenda.