Ruben Amorim may have sealed his fate as Man Utd boss left vulnerable by own decision

might not have much time left. That's a sentence that feels wrong to write, but it's the brutal reality of the situation. head coach will be under a glaring spotlight from day one next season, and he won't be able to continue losing football matches at the current rate.

It would be unfair to judge Amorim's credentials in the job based on a season that was in free fall before he arrived in November. United were on the fringes of the spots when lost his job, but that doesn't mean the trajectory was downwards. Amorim walked away from a self-built empire at Sporting, where he looked to be guiding the Lisbon giants to another season of dominance.

That in itself deserves respect, as well as time and patience. He left his haven behind to inherit a moody mess at Old Trafford, fully well knowing he was set to "suffer".

However, while United supporters must save their judgements until after his first summer transfer window at the helm, the active slip in standards can't be excused.

It's all well and good prioritising the Europa League. Amorim knows it's United's only path into European football next season - through a Champions League return, no less.

But the Red Devils can't win Premier League matches, and with five games remaining, a 17th-place finish is a real possibility.

Sunday's 1-0 defeat to Wolves was the 15th in the league this season and an eighth at home. They are both unwanted records, as are the lowest points tally and position.

And by accepting the hardest job in football midway through the campaign, Amorim has left himself vulnerable.

In a dream world, he will receive financial backing this summer and elevate the quality and suitability of his squad while offloading players who don't fit the bill.

But it's a results business, and if United start next season in the same manner as his reign has offered so far, he will be in real danger.

Critics must temper expectations. The Red Devils would need a miraculous turnaround to propel from the depths to the top four next term.

That said, a third consecutive campaign outside of the European spots wouldn't be accepted. Amorim will know that, and more notably, so will Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

As soon as the calendar flips to June, United's coaches, players and recruitment team must deliver.

Amorim has plenty to prove, winning just six of his 22 Premier League matches so far. If mediocrity persists at the start of next term, his self-inflicted vulnerability could turn fatal.