🔗 Share this article

The Red Devils have parted ways with manager Ruben Amorim after a little over a year in charge. The move comes following a significant power struggle over transfer policy and even with the team's recent upturn in form.

The Breaking Point

Relations between the manager and the club's football department, specifically director of football Jason Wilcox, had been deteriorating for weeks. The decisive moment is believed to have been public remarks made by Amorim following the recent 1-1 draw with Leeds United. He is said to have told the recruitment team to "focus on their duties," 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

On paper, Amorim's time at Old Trafford was undistinguished. He departs with a record of victories of a sub-40% win rate and a points-per-game average of 1.24 in the top flight. The team suffered more defeats than it won in 2025.

However, his last matches in charge showed glimpses of stability. United were defeated only once of his final eight matches and now find themselves 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)

Club Announcement

In its statement, the club framed the decision as one aimed at securing the highest seasonal position.

"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."

What Comes Next?

In the short term, club legend Darren Fletcher will assume control on an interim basis. He is scheduled to be in the technical area for the upcoming league fixture against the Clarets.

For the long-term position, bookmakers and analysts are suggesting a number of possible successors. Names being linked include Spanish tactician Xavi Hernández, Oliver Glasner, Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate, and Enzo Maresca.

The Court of Public Opinion

The sacking has generated divided opinion among supporters and commentators. Some cite the underwhelming performances and style as valid reasons, while others believe the club's hierarchy 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 beginning to end."

A counter-argument states: "It seems crazy to blame results when the team are in the top six 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 better team than last year."

The search for a new manager and the pursuit for stability at Manchester United begins anew.