🔗 Share this article

The Old Trafford club have parted ways with manager their Portuguese head coach after just 14 months in charge. The move comes amid a significant power struggle over recruitment strategy and even with the team's unbeaten run.

The Final Straw

Relations between the manager and the club's hierarchy, particularly director of football the recruitment chief, had been deteriorating for a period. The final trigger is believed to have been statements 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," underscoring 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

On paper, the Portuguese manager's time at the club was difficult. He departs with a record of victories of a sub-40% win rate and a points-per-game average of a meager 1.24 in the Premier League. The team lost more games than it won in the calendar year 2025.

However, his final games showed a slight improvement. United were defeated only once of his last eight matches and currently sit in sixth place in the standings, just three points off the coveted Champions League spots.

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)

Official Statement

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

"With Manchester United sitting sixth in the Premier League, the club’s leadership has reluctantly 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, club legend the Scot will assume control on an temporary basis. He is scheduled to be in the technical area for the upcoming Premier League fixture against the Clarets.

For the long-term position, oddsmakers and pundits are speculating a number of possible successors. Names being linked include Spanish tactician Xavi, Oliver Glasner, Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate, and another promising coach.

Fan and Pundit Reaction

The announcement has generated mixed reactions among the fanbase and commentators. Some cite the poor performances and style as valid reasons, while others believe the club's hierarchy must shoulder significant blame for continuous turmoil.

One viewpoint suggests: "{Between the generally poor performances and results, the rather abhorrent win ratio and the inflexible approach, Amorim has no one else to blame but himself... The ownership 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."

A counter-argument states: "It seems unreasonable to blame results when United are joint fifth in the table... They’ve beaten top sides... 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 hunt for a new manager and the quest for stability at Manchester United begins anew.