🔗 Share this article

Manchester United have parted ways with manager their Portuguese head coach after just 14 months in charge. The decision comes amid a reported disagreement over transfer policy and even with the team's unbeaten run.

The Breaking Point

Relations between Amorim and the club's football department, specifically director of football the recruitment chief, had been deteriorating for a period. The final trigger is believed to have been comments made by the coach after Sunday's 1-1 draw with Leeds United. He is said to have challenged the recruitment team to "fulfill their responsibilities," underscoring a clear disconnect.

"I came here to be 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

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

However, his final games showed glimpses of stability. United lost just one of his last eight matches and now find themselves sixth in the Premier League table, just a narrow margin off the prized fourth place.

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)

United's Position

In its release, 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 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, club legend the Scot will assume control on an temporary basis. He is expected to be in the technical area for the next Premier League fixture against Burnley.

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

The Court of Public Opinion

The announcement has generated divided opinion among the fanbase and observers. Some cite the underwhelming results and tactics as justification, while others believe the ownership and directors must shoulder significant blame for continuous turmoil.

One viewpoint 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 farce from beginning to end."

A counter-argument states: "It seems crazy to blame results when United 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 search for a new manager and the quest for stability at Old Trafford begins anew.