Amorim faces sack threat at AC Milan after four months as familiar problems resurface

Ruben Amorim is facing the prospect of an early exit from AC Milan after a troubled start to his tenure, with a 1-1 Serie A draw at Sassuolo on the weekend intensifying scrutiny from the club’s ownership and the Italian press.

Amorim, who left Manchester United to take charge at the San Siro in June, has guided Milan to three wins, three draws, and no defeats in their opening six league matches — leaving them fifth in the table. But the unbeaten record has done little to ease concerns. Owner Gerry Cardinale was reportedly left visibly frustrated after watching his side concede a late equaliser at the Mapei Stadium and fail to claim all three points, departing the ground disappointed.

Adrien Rabiot had given Milan the lead shortly after the hour mark, only for Sassuolo to level minutes later. Speaking post-match, Amorim acknowledged his side’s shortcomings. “We deserved the lead, but after the goal, it’s clear we should have managed the game better, kept more possession, and curbed the opponent’s reaction,” he said. “We can’t afford to concede goals from corners. It’s clear we can’t be satisfied when we throw away two points like that. Sometimes it’s a question of mentality: you score a goal and you have to keep pushing.”

Portuguese newspaper A Bola described Milan as “far from convincing”, accusing the team of producing lacklustre displays and pointing to constant changes in the starting line-up and tactical approach as the root cause of the team’s lack of rhythm and identity — criticisms that will sound familiar to those who followed Amorim’s difficult spell at Old Trafford.

The publication also highlighted the risks Milan take when pressing forward, their limited attacking output, and a lack of squad depth. Defender Matteo Gabbia’s injury has thinned their defensive options, while striker Francesco Camarda — described as the only alternative to Gonçalo Ramos up front — has been afforded just five minutes of playing time under Amorim.

Ramos himself has come under fire from the Italian press. Corriere dello Sport awarded the forward a rating of 5.5, noting that “his only opportunities came at the end of the first half” and that he “was no longer seen” for the rest of the match. Gazzetta dello Sport warned that Ramos, who reportedly cost more than €70 million, risked being labelled an overvalued signing. Some supporters have taken to social media to call him “Ghostalo” — a play on his first name reflecting their frustration with his performances.

Cardinale’s mood was perhaps best captured by a cap he was photographed wearing this week, emblazoned with the words: “Make Milan Great Again.” With pressure building from ownership, the media, and sections of the fanbase, Amorim’s position is growing increasingly precarious.