Ruben Amorim in alarming Manchester United 'admission' as Ineos decision slammed

Manchester United return to action on Sunday as they host Chelsea at Old Trafford (kick-off: 4:30pm).

The Reds are still under the guidance of interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy, with new permanent manager Ruben Amorim not set to take over until November 11. United will have been buoyed by their 5-2 win over Leicester City on Wednesday night but face a significant step up against Enzo Maresca's team.

And United will know that they could end the weekend four points off the Champions League places if they can secure victory against Chelsea. Below are some of the latest media reports surrounding the Reds.

READ MORE: Rudd van Nistelrooy reveals new Manchester United identity that supporters want to see

READ MORE: Sir Jim Ratcliffe has already explained why Man United didn't appoint Ruben Amorim in the summer

Amorim admission

Ruben Amorim is reportedly feeling the strain already before taking the helm at United. The 39-year-old had initially intended to remain with Sporting until the season's end but faced a 'now or never' ultimatum from United.

With just three days to decide, Amorim chose to embrace the task of reviving the struggling Reds. Amid intense speculation and before United's confirmation, Amorim admitted to friends that he had been left him 'exhausted', according to The Athletic.

Colleagues also reportedly noted he seemed out of sorts, showing already he may not be fully prepared for the pressures of the job that will have him very much in the spotlight.

MEN Sport's Isaac Seelochan says: "If this is true, you would hope that Amolrim will be given some time off during the November international break. The Portuguese will need to be at full strength going into such a high-pressure job."

Decision slammed

Former Chelsea star Joe Cole has lamented United's handling of the managerial transition. "I think it's been messy," he told TNT Sports.

"I think he said he begged Manchester United to finish the season with Sporting Lisbon, but Manchester United wanted him now; that's a strange thing to say coming into the club.

"But he's an impressive manager. What he's done in the Portuguese league has been nothing short of remarkable with Sporting Lisbon's budget against Benfica and Porto; he's been incredible, but this is a different beast.

"I think it's a strange one. All the things we're saying about Ruben Amorim we were saying about Erik ten Hag, I hope it works for him."

MEN Sport's Isaac Seelochan says: "Cole is right to call this out, but if your United and there is still a lot to play for, you want the best man for the job. Whilst Van Nistelrooy may have done a fine job until the summer, it's clear that he isn't Ineos' man."