🔗 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 clash over transfer policy and even with the team's unbeaten run.

The Breaking Point

Relations between the manager and the club's football department, specifically director of football the recruitment chief, had been fracturing for weeks. The final trigger is believed to have been comments made by Amorim after Sunday's 1-1 draw with their rivals. He is said to have told the recruitment team to "fulfill their responsibilities," underscoring a major disagreement.

"I came here 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 Struggling Reign

On paper, the Portuguese manager's time at Old Trafford was difficult. He departs with a win ratio of less than 39 per cent and a league points 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 currently sit in sixth place in the Premier League table, 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 release, the club presented the decision as one aimed at achieving the best possible 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 immediate aftermath, former player the Scot will take charge on an caretaker basis. He is expected to be in the technical area for the upcoming Premier League fixture against the Clarets.

For the long-term position, bookmakers and analysts are suggesting a number of potential candidates. Names in the frame include Spanish tactician Xavi Hernández, the Austrian manager, Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate, and Enzo Maresca.

Fan and Pundit Reaction

The announcement has provoked divided opinion among supporters and observers. Some cite the poor performances and style as valid reasons, while others believe the ownership and directors must shoulder significant blame for instability.

A perspective suggests: "{Between the consistently bad performances and results, the very low win ratio and the tactical rigidity, he 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 mess from start to finish."

A counter-argument states: "It seems crazy to blame results when United 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 hunt for a permanent successor and the pursuit for stability at Old Trafford begins anew.