🔗 Share this article

Manchester United have terminated the contract of manager their Portuguese head coach after a little over a year in charge. The decision comes in the wake of a significant disagreement over transfer policy and even with the team's unbeaten run.

The Final Straw

The relationship between Amorim and the club's football department, specifically director of football Jason Wilcox, had been strained for a period. The immediate catalyst is believed to have been statements made by Amorim following the recent 1-1 draw with their rivals. He reportedly challenged the recruitment team to "focus on their duties," emphasizing 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 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 Miserable Tenure

On paper, the Portuguese manager's time at Old Trafford was poor. He departs with a win ratio of a sub-40% win rate and a league points average of 1.24 in the Premier League. The team suffered more defeats than it won in the calendar year 2025.

Paradoxically, 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 prized fourth place.

Final Games in Charge

• 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."

What Comes Next?

In the short term, former player the Scot will take charge on an caretaker basis. He is scheduled to be in the technical area for the next league fixture against Burnley.

For the permanent role, bookmakers and analysts are suggesting a range of potential candidates. Names in the frame include Spanish tactician Xavi Hernández, Oliver Glasner, Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate, and Enzo Maresca.

Fan and Pundit Reaction

The news has generated debate among supporters and observers. Some cite the underwhelming results and tactics as justification, while others believe the ownership and directors must shoulder significant blame for continuous turmoil.

A perspective suggests: "{Between the consistently bad performances and results, the very low win ratio and the inflexible approach, he has no one else to blame but himself... INEOS 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."

A counter-argument states: "It seems crazy to blame results when the team are joint fifth in the table... They’ve beaten Liverpool, Chelsea... 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 search for a new manager and the quest for stability at Manchester United begins anew.