🔗 Share this article

The Old Trafford club have parted ways with manager their Portuguese head coach after a brief and turbulent 14-month stint in charge. The move comes in the wake of a significant power struggle over recruitment strategy and despite the team's unbeaten run.

The Final Straw

Relations between the manager and the club's hierarchy, specifically director of football Jason Wilcox, had been deteriorating for some time. The immediate catalyst is believed to have been comments made by the coach following the recent 1-1 draw with their rivals. He is said to have challenged the recruitment team to "focus on their duties," emphasizing a clear disconnect.

"My role is to be 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, the Portuguese manager's time at the club was difficult. He departs with a win ratio of under 40% and a league points average of a meager 1.24 in the top flight. The team suffered more defeats than it won in 2025.

Interestingly, his final games showed glimpses of stability. United were defeated only once of his last eight matches and now find themselves sixth in the standings, just a narrow margin off the coveted 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)

Official Statement

In its release, the club presented the decision as one aimed at achieving 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."

Looking Ahead

In the short term, club legend Darren Fletcher will take charge on an interim basis. He is scheduled to be in the dugout for the next league fixture against Burnley.

For the permanent role, oddsmakers and analysts are speculating a range of possible successors. Names in the frame include Spanish tactician Xavi, Oliver Glasner, England national team boss Gareth Southgate, and Enzo Maresca.

Fan and Pundit Reaction

The announcement has generated divided opinion among the fanbase and commentators. Some cite the underwhelming performances and style as valid reasons, while others argue the club's hierarchy must bear a large responsibility for instability.

A perspective suggests: "{Between the generally poor performances and results, the rather abhorrent win ratio and the tactical rigidity, 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."

An alternative take 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 the start of October. Just watching them you can see they’re a better team than last year."

The search for a permanent successor and the quest for stability at Manchester United begins anew.