Paddy Power enlists Alan Curbishley in social media jab at Manchester United and Ruben Amorim

Bookmaker Paddy Power released a social media clip on Monday that used former Premier League manager Alan Curbishley to lampoon Manchester United amid mounting pressure on head coach Ruben Amorim.

The short video, shared on the same day United suffered a 3-0 defeat to Manchester City in the Manchester derby, frames the club's poor start to the season and the manager's record as reasons to consider a change. United have won one of their opening four Premier League matches this season and were earlier eliminated from the Carabao Cup by League Two side Grimsby Town.

In the clip, 67-year-old Curbishley — out of management since leaving West Ham in 2008 — appeals for another job, saying, “Management, I could still do a job. The game’s moved on, but I haven’t. I am still as good as I ever was. I’ve got my tactics board, I will travel, you name the club, I’ll go there, League One, League Two, I’ll even consider the Scottish Premiership. All I’m asking for, is for one club, one club to give me a chance.” The video then shows Curbishley receiving a call from Manchester United minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, declining to answer and later tossing his phone in a bin after the call ends.

Paddy Power’s clip plays on a wider narrative about the risks of taking the United job in recent years and highlights the scrutiny on Amorim after a difficult year at Old Trafford. Amorim, who replaced Erik ten Hag in November, has earned 31 points in 31 Premier League matches since taking charge. Last season he led United to their lowest Premier League finish, 15th, and they lost the Europa League final to Tottenham, leaving them without European competition this term despite a substantial summer transfer outlay.

United spent £236 million in the summer transfer window in an attempt to strengthen the squad, but results have so far failed to meet expectations. The club’s season has featured a mix of poor league form and the surprise cup exit to Grimsby, while the 3-0 derby loss increased public and internal scrutiny of the coaching staff and the recruitment programme.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who holds a minority ownership stake in the club and has been involved in recent decision-making, was depicted in the clip as calling for managerial options amid the concerns. The video adopts a satirical tone rather than presenting an official statement from the club or its ownership.

Curbishley is best known for a 15-year spell as Charlton Athletic manager in which he achieved two promotions to the Premier League and established the club in the top flight before stepping down in 2006. He later had a two-year stint at West Ham, leaving in 2008, and has not managed a club since.

Manchester United and Paddy Power did not immediately provide further comment on the clip. The club faces pressure to improve results quickly in the Premier League, where early season points and performances will shape debate over whether the current managerial setup can deliver the turnaround supporters and owners expect.