🔗 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 growing power struggle over transfer policy and despite the team's recent upturn in form.

What Sparked the Decision

Relations between the manager and the club's football department, particularly director of football Jason Wilcox, had been strained for weeks. The decisive moment is believed to have been comments made by Amorim following the recent 1-1 draw with Leeds United. He is said to have challenged the recruitment team to "fulfill their responsibilities," highlighting 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 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 Disappointing Spell

By the numbers, Amorim's time at the club was difficult. He leaves with a record of victories of less than 39 per cent and a points-per-game average of just 1.24 in the top flight. The team lost more games than it won in the calendar year 2025.

Paradoxically, his final games showed some resilience. United were defeated only once of his last eight matches and now find themselves in sixth place in the Premier League table, just three points off the coveted Champions League spots.

The Last Five Matches

• 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 official communication, the club framed the decision as one aimed at securing the best possible seasonal position.

"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 short term, club legend Darren Fletcher will assume control on an caretaker basis. He is scheduled to be in the dugout for the next Premier League fixture against Burnley.

For the permanent role, bookmakers and pundits are speculating a range of possible successors. Names being linked include Spanish tactician Xavi Hernández, the Austrian manager, England national team boss Southgate, and another promising coach.

Fan and Pundit Reaction

The news has generated mixed reactions among supporters and observers. Some cite the underwhelming performances and style as valid reasons, while others believe the ownership and directors must shoulder significant blame for instability.

One viewpoint suggests: "{Between the consistently bad performances and results, the very low 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 farce 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 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 search for a permanent successor and the pursuit for stability at Old Trafford begins once again.