GUS POYET says Ruben Amorim would have been axed by Manchester United if they did not beat arch-rivals Liverpool last month.
Harry Maguire headed home a late winner for the Red Devils, after Cody Gakpo had cancelled out Bryan Mbeumo’s early opener.
It was United’s second win in succession, after also seeing off Sunderland, and they have gone on to record a four-match unbeaten run.
But Amorim had found himself on thin ice before the upturn in results at Old Trafford.
The Portuguese tactician had already failed to seal European qualification or add to the trophy cabinet last season before struggling for results in the current campaign.
And ex-Premier League manager Poyet, who is currently in charge of South Korean side Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, reckons Amorim was facing the chop before bagging three points at Liverpool.
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The former Sunderland boss told BetWright: “I’m pleased for Ruben Amorim – it was the right time for Manchester United to get a big result against Liverpool.
“It was now or never for him to find something, otherwise he was likely gone – and fortunately for him, it went his way.
“Last year was a nightmare for him, so I’m relieved for him that it looks like they’re at the start of something promising.
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“When you’re in that position as a coach, you need everything to go your way.
“For example, the opponent’s shot needs to hit the crossbar, and you need to be awarded a penalty that could’ve been a 50/50 foul.
“Those are the kind of split-second decisions that you need if your back is against the wall as a manager.
“I’m not sure whether it’s luck, but on the day, momentum shifted in Amorim’s favour, and now things are looking up for him and Man United.”
Amorim celebrated 12 months in the United dugout last week, after being appointed as Erik ten Hag’s replacement, and has seen his side climb up to eighth in the Premier League table.
But the Red Devils were beaten by Tottenham in the Europa League final in May, which resulted in missing out on European qualification and silverware.
United are set to face Spurs again on Saturday.
