🔗 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 decision comes following a reported power struggle over January funds and despite the team's unbeaten run.

What Sparked the Decision

Tensions between Amorim and the club's leadership, particularly director of football the recruitment chief, had been strained for weeks. The decisive moment is believed to have been statements made by the coach following the recent 1-1 draw with Leeds United. He reportedly told the recruitment team to "focus on their duties," highlighting a fundamental rift.

"I came here to be the manager of Manchester United – not to be the coach. That is clear. I know my name is not among the elite names 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 undistinguished. He leaves with a win ratio of a sub-40% win rate and a points-per-game average of a meager 1.24 in the top flight. The team lost more games than it won in the calendar year 2025.

However, his final games showed glimpses of stability. United lost just one of his last eight matches and currently sit in sixth place in the Premier League table, just three points off the coveted 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 presented the decision as one aimed at securing the highest 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 the Scot will take charge on an caretaker basis. He is scheduled to be in the dugout for the next Premier League fixture against Burnley.

For the long-term position, bookmakers and analysts are speculating a range of possible successors. Names being linked include former Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández, Oliver Glasner, Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate, and Enzo Maresca.

The Court of Public Opinion

The news has generated divided opinion among supporters and commentators. Some point to the poor results and tactics as valid reasons, while others argue the club's hierarchy must bear a large responsibility for instability.

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 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 improved side than last year."

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