🔗 Share this article

The Red Devils have parted ways with manager their Portuguese head coach after a little over a year in charge. The move comes following a reported disagreement over January funds and even with the team's recent upturn in form.

The Breaking Point

The relationship between Amorim and the club's football department, particularly director of football Jason Wilcox, had been strained for some time. The final trigger is believed to have been public remarks made by Amorim after the recent 1-1 draw with Leeds United. He publicly challenged the recruitment team to "focus on their duties," emphasizing a fundamental rift.

"I was hired as the manager of Manchester United – not to be the coach. That is clear. I know my name is not among the elite names 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 Disappointing Spell

Statistically, Amorim's time at Old Trafford was difficult. He departs with a record of victories of less than 39 per cent and a points-per-game average of a meager 1.24 in the Premier League. The team suffered more defeats than it won in 2025.

Paradoxically, his last matches in charge showed glimpses of stability. United lost just one of his final eight matches and now find themselves sixth in the Premier League table, just three points off the prized 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)

United's Position

In its release, 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 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."

The Immediate Future

In the immediate aftermath, former player the Scot will assume control on an interim basis. He is scheduled to be in the technical area for the upcoming league fixture against Burnley.

For the permanent role, bookmakers and analysts are speculating a range of potential candidates. Names in the frame include former Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández, the Austrian manager, Three Lions manager Southgate, and Enzo Maresca.

Fan and Pundit Reaction

The news has sparked mixed reactions among supporters and observers. Some point to the poor results and tactics as justification, while others argue the club's hierarchy must bear a large responsibility for continuous turmoil.

One viewpoint suggests: "{Between the consistently bad performances and results, the rather abhorrent win ratio and the tactical rigidity, he 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 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 hunt for a new manager and the pursuit for consistency at Manchester United begins anew.