🔗 Share this article

Manchester United have announced the departure of manager their Portuguese head coach after a little over a year in charge. The announcement comes amid a growing power struggle over transfer policy and despite the team's improved league position.

The Breaking Point

The relationship between Amorim and the club's football department, particularly director of football Jason Wilcox, had been strained for a period. The immediate catalyst is believed to have been public remarks made by the coach following the recent 1-1 draw with their rivals. He publicly challenged the recruitment team to "fulfill their responsibilities," emphasizing a major disagreement.

"I was hired as 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 Miserable Tenure

By the numbers, the Portuguese manager's time at Old Trafford was poor. He departs with a win ratio of less than 39 per cent and a points-per-game average of a meager 1.24 in the top flight. The team lost more games than it won in 2025.

However, his last matches in charge showed a slight improvement. United lost just one of his last eight matches and currently sit in sixth place in the standings, 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)

Club Announcement

In its statement, the club presented the decision as one aimed at securing the highest 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 short term, former player the Scot will take charge on an temporary basis. He is scheduled to be in the technical area for the upcoming league fixture against the Clarets.

For the permanent role, bookmakers and analysts are suggesting a range of possible successors. Names being linked include Spanish tactician Xavi, Oliver Glasner, England national team boss Southgate, and Enzo Maresca.

Fan and Pundit Reaction

The announcement has generated mixed reactions among the fanbase and commentators. Some point to the poor performances and style as valid reasons, while others argue the ownership and directors must shoulder significant blame for continuous turmoil.

A perspective suggests: "{Between the generally poor performances and results, the very low win ratio and the inflexible approach, 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."

A counter-argument states: "It seems unreasonable to blame results when United are in the top six in the table... They’ve beaten Liverpool, Chelsea... and have lost only twice since 1 October. Just watching them you can see they’re a improved side than last year."

The search for a new manager and the quest for stability at Old Trafford begins anew.