🔗 Share this article

The Red Devils have parted ways with manager their Portuguese head coach after a brief and turbulent 14-month stint in charge. The move comes amid a reported power struggle over January funds and even with the team's recent upturn in form.

The Final Straw

The relationship between Amorim and the club's hierarchy, specifically director of football Jason Wilcox, had been strained for weeks. The decisive moment is believed to have been comments made by the coach after the recent 1-1 draw with their rivals. He is said to have told the recruitment team to "focus on their duties," emphasizing a clear disconnect.

"My role is to be the manager of Manchester United – not to be the coach. That is clear. I know my name is not Tuchel, Mourinho or Conte but I’m the manager. It’s going to be like this for 18 months or until the board decide to change. I’m not going to quit, I will do my job until another guy is coming here to replace me."

A Struggling Reign

By the numbers, Amorim's time at the club was poor. He leaves with a record of victories of a sub-40% win rate and a league points average of just 1.24 in the top flight. The team lost more games than it won in the calendar year 2025.

Interestingly, his final games showed a slight improvement. United were defeated only once of his last eight matches and now find themselves in sixth place in the standings, just three points off the coveted fourth place.

End of an Era Results

• 4-4 draw vs Bournemouth (Home)
• 2-1 loss vs Aston Villa (Away)
• 1-0 win vs Newcastle United (Home)
• 1-1 draw vs Wolverhampton Wanderers (Home)
• 1-1 draw vs Leeds United (Away)

Club Announcement

In its statement, the club framed the decision as one aimed at securing the best possible league finish.

"With Manchester United sitting sixth in the Premier League, the club’s leadership has after careful consideration made the decision that it is the right time to make a change. This will give the team the best opportunity of the highest possible Premier League finish. The club would like to thank Ruben for his contribution to the club and wishes him well for the future."

Looking Ahead

In the immediate aftermath, former player the Scot will take charge on an temporary basis. He is expected to be in the dugout for the next Premier League fixture against the Clarets.

For the long-term position, bookmakers and analysts are suggesting a range of potential candidates. Names in the frame include Spanish tactician Xavi Hernández, the Austrian manager, England national team boss Gareth Southgate, and another promising coach.

The Court of Public Opinion

The announcement has provoked divided opinion among the fanbase and commentators. Some cite the poor results and tactics as justification, while others believe the ownership and directors must shoulder significant blame for continuous turmoil.

One viewpoint suggests: "{Between the consistently bad performances and results, the very low win ratio and the tactical rigidity, Amorim has no one else to blame but himself... INEOS and their ‘best-in-class’ claims should, however, feel a large brunt of the fan’s rage; this was a mess from start to finish."

An alternative take states: "It seems crazy to blame results when the team are joint fifth in the table... They’ve beaten Liverpool, Chelsea... and have lost only twice since the start of October. Just watching them you can see they’re a improved side than last year."

The search for a permanent successor and the quest for consistency at Manchester United begins anew.