🔗 Share this article

The Old Trafford club have terminated the contract of manager their Portuguese head coach after a brief and turbulent 14-month stint in charge. The move comes amid a reported power struggle 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 some time. The decisive moment is believed to have been statements made by the coach following the recent 1-1 draw with Leeds United. He is said to have challenged the recruitment team to "fulfill their responsibilities," highlighting a major disagreement.

"I was hired as the manager of Manchester United – not to be the coach. That is clear. I know my name is not a household giant 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 Miserable Tenure

Statistically, Amorim's time at Old Trafford was poor. He departs with a record of victories of less than 39 per cent and a points-per-game average of a meager 1.24 in the Premier League. The team suffered more defeats than it won in 2025.

Paradoxically, his last matches in charge showed some resilience. United lost just one of his final eight matches and now find themselves in sixth place in the Premier League table, just a narrow margin 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)

Official Statement

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

Looking Ahead

In the immediate aftermath, former player Darren Fletcher will assume control on an interim basis. He is scheduled 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 possible successors. Names being linked include Spanish tactician Xavi, the Austrian manager, England national team boss Gareth Southgate, and Enzo Maresca.

Fan and Pundit Reaction

The announcement has provoked divided opinion among the fanbase and commentators. Some cite the poor results and tactics as justification, while others argue the ownership and directors must bear a large responsibility for continuous turmoil.

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

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 1 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 Old Trafford begins once again.