🔗 Share this article

The Old Trafford club have parted ways with manager their Portuguese head coach after a little over a year in charge. The decision comes amid a reported disagreement over recruitment strategy and despite the team's recent upturn in form.

The Final Straw

Relations between Amorim and the club's leadership, particularly director of football Jason Wilcox, had been fracturing for a period. The decisive moment is believed to have been statements made by the coach after Sunday's 1-1 draw with their rivals. He publicly told the recruitment team to "do their job," highlighting 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 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 Disappointing Spell

By the numbers, the Portuguese manager's time at Old Trafford was difficult. He leaves with a record of victories of a sub-40% win rate and a points-per-game average of just 1.24 in the Premier League. The team lost more games than it won in 2025.

However, his last matches in charge showed a slight improvement. United were defeated only once of his last eight matches and now find themselves in sixth place in the standings, just a narrow margin off the prized fourth place.

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)

United's Position

In its release, the club framed the decision as one aimed at securing the best possible 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."

What Comes Next?

In the immediate aftermath, club legend the Scot will take charge on an interim basis. He is scheduled to be in the technical area for the next Premier League fixture against the Clarets.

For the permanent role, bookmakers and analysts are suggesting a number of possible successors. Names in the frame include Spanish tactician Xavi Hernández, the Austrian manager, England national team boss Gareth Southgate, and another promising coach.

Fan and Pundit Reaction

The announcement has sparked mixed reactions among supporters and commentators. 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 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 farce from start to finish."

An alternative take states: "It seems unreasonable to blame results when United are in the top six 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 better team than last year."

The hunt for a permanent successor and the pursuit for stability at Manchester United begins once again.