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The Old Trafford club have parted ways with manager their Portuguese head coach after just 14 months in charge. The announcement comes following a reported disagreement over recruitment strategy and even with the team's recent upturn in form.

The Final Straw

The relationship between the manager and the club's hierarchy, specifically director of football the recruitment chief, had been strained for weeks. The decisive moment is believed to have been statements made by Amorim following Sunday's 1-1 draw with their rivals. He is said to have told the recruitment team to "do their job," emphasizing a clear disconnect.

"My role is 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, Amorim's time at Old Trafford was poor. He departs with a record of victories of a sub-40% win rate and a league points average of just 1.24 in the top flight. The team lost more games than it won in 2025.

Interestingly, his last matches in charge showed some resilience. United lost just one of his last eight matches and currently sit sixth in the standings, just three points off the prized Champions League spots.

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)

United's Position

In its official communication, the club presented 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 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."

The Immediate Future

In the short term, 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 permanent role, oddsmakers and pundits are suggesting a number of potential candidates. Names in the frame include former Barcelona coach Xavi, Oliver Glasner, England national team boss Gareth Southgate, and Enzo Maresca.

Fan and Pundit Reaction

The sacking has generated divided opinion among the fanbase and observers. Some cite the poor results and tactics as justification, while others believe the ownership and directors must bear a large responsibility for continuous turmoil.

One viewpoint suggests: "{Between the consistently bad performances and results, the rather abhorrent win ratio and the inflexible approach, 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 farce from start to finish."

An alternative take states: "It seems crazy to blame results when United are in the top six 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 hunt for a permanent successor and the quest for consistency at Old Trafford begins once again.