🔗 Share this article

Manchester United have terminated the contract of manager their Portuguese head coach after just 14 months in charge. The move comes following a reported power struggle over recruitment strategy and even with the team's recent upturn in form.

The Breaking Point

Relations between the manager and the club's hierarchy, specifically director of football Jason Wilcox, had been deteriorating for a period. The final trigger is believed to have been comments made by Amorim following Sunday's 1-1 draw with their rivals. 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

By the numbers, the Portuguese manager's time at Old Trafford was poor. He departs with a win ratio 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 the calendar year 2025.

However, his final games showed some resilience. United were defeated only once of his final eight matches and now find themselves 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)

Official Statement

In its release, the club framed the decision as one aimed at achieving the highest league finish.

"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, former player the Scot will assume control on an caretaker basis. He is expected to be in the dugout for the upcoming Premier League fixture against Burnley.

For the permanent role, oddsmakers and analysts are speculating a range of potential candidates. Names being linked include former Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández, Oliver Glasner, Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate, and another promising coach.

The Court of Public Opinion

The news has generated divided opinion among supporters and commentators. Some cite the poor performances and style as justification, while others argue the club's hierarchy 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 United are joint fifth in the table... They’ve beaten Liverpool, Chelsea... and have lost only twice since 1 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.